This past year San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk finally had the breakout season that the team had always wanted since drafting him in the first-round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
But the 49ers have to decide on whether to make him a permanent part of their team. Today it appears that they made that decision.
Taking to Twitter, ESPN 49ers insider Nick Wagoner said that the 49ers intend to keep Aiyuk. Per the report, they have received interest from NFL teams looking to trade for him. But the 49ers are looking to keep him paired with star receiver Deebo Samuel for now.
“(49ers) have received interest in Brandon Aiyuk from teams hoping they can trade for him. But Niners intend to keep Aiyuk. They could find themselves in a situation next offseason where they can’t afford two high end WRs (like OT this year) but those decisions will/can wait,” Wagoner wrote.
#49ers have received interest in Brandon Aiyuk from teams hoping they can trade for him. But Niners intend to keep Aiyuk.
They could find themselves in a situation next offseason where they can’t afford two high end WRs (like OT this year) but those decisions will/can wait.
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) March 27, 2023
In the 2022 season, Aiyuk led the 49ers in receiving with 78 receptions for 1,015 yards and eight touchdowns – all career highs.
The 49ers will no doubt have to extend Aiyuk in 2024 if they hope to keep him long-term. But for now, he’s affordable and the team intends to treat him like an affordable contributor as opposed to offloading him for another young player.
Will the 49ers sign Aiyuk to an extension?