Despite mounting trade rumors, the 49ers aren't planning to deal Brandon Aiyuk anytime soon.
With star San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk entering his contract year, trade rumors ran rampant leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft. But the draft has now come and gone, and Aiyuk is still a member of the 49ers.
General manager John Lynch and company are hoping that remains a fact for the foreseeable future. Despite the looming contractual issues, the 49ers have no interest in trading Aiyuk and are hoping to work out on a long-term extension, via Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network.
“It doesn't seem like that is in the cards, at least right now,” Rapoport said of the 49ers dealing Aiyuk. “The 49ers are moving forward with Brandon Aiyuk on their roster.”
San Francisco has been in contract negotiations and are actively trying to make a long-term deal work. While it's not yet known what a potential deal might cost, Devonta Smith's contract with the Philadelphia Eagles (three-year, $75 million) and Amon-Ra St. Brown's with the Detroit Lions (four-year, $120 million) will act as potential barometers to reach.
Regardless of cost, it's clear that the 49ers want Aiyuk on their team come Week 1.
San Francisco did add to the trade speculation when they used the No. 31 overall pick on wide receiver Ricky Pearsall. If the 49ers can't come to terms with Aiyuk in the long run, Pearsall could serve as his potential replacement. But if it were up to San Fran, Aiyuk and Pearsall would be playing alongside each other and catching passes from Brock Purdy for years to come.
