Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk of the 49ers has been the subject of trade rumors ever since he and several of his associates voiced their dissatisfaction after the team lost the Super Bowl.
After asking Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin on social media if he thought they looked alike, Aiyuk stoked more rumors. Pittsburgh needs a wide receiver now that Diontae Johnson has been traded to the Panthers.
However, via ESPN’s Nick Wagoner, 49ers general manager John Lynch dashed Steelers supporters’ dreams by adamantly declaring that the rumors are untrue.
Lynch vowed, “I swear to you, nothing is happening there.”
To think that San Francisco was ready to let go of Aiyuk would be unexpected. Ever since he was selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, the 26-year-old has improved every year. He recorded a career-high 1,342 yards on 75 receptions in 2023.
Aiyuk, however, is eligible for a new deal in 2024 when he is scheduled to play on his fifth-year option. Like many others, he believes he is the best wide receiver and wants to be compensated accordingly.
Lynch claims that every effort is being made to close a deal.
According to David Bonilla of 49erswebzone.com, Lynch stated, “We’re actively talking with Brandon, trying to figure something out.” “We have a good history of working with the guys we want to get something done, and it takes two sides.”
Reaching an agreement with Aiyuk, who is anticipated to earn roughly $24 million annually, would not be simple for the 49ers, as reported by Spotrac.
San Francisco might have to deal Aiyuk if the two parties are unable to come to an agreement. It’s only a matter of agreeing on pay at that point.
Lynch is aware that may happen, but he continues to have faith that Aiyuk and the 49ers will work things out.
“There’s a number of different directions that it could go, but we appreciate the heck out of Brandon and who he is as a player,” Lynch declared. “We want him to be a part of the Niners, so we’re going to work towards making that a reality.”