John Lynch and Brandon Aiyuk (Photos by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images and Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch provided an encouraging update on the status of wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk as trade rumors continue to ramp up.
Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco’s leading receiver of the 2023 season, is entering the final season of his rookie contract. With Aiyuk still awaiting a new deal, his name has naturally been mentioned frequently in trade rumors.
But while speaking to reporters on Monday, Lynch emphasized that the 49ers are working on extending Aiyuk. That said, Lynch revealed that San Francisco has received trade inquiries on the 200 first-round pick, via ESPN’s Nick Wagoner:
“I’ve communicated on many occasions: our wish is that he’s here and part of the Niners for the rest of his career, We’re working through that…I can say we’re having good talks, and I’m just going to leave it at that…We’re really focused on BA being part of us.”
Since Lynch’s arrival, extending core players hasn’t been an issue whatsoever. Offensive tackle Trent Williams, wide receiver Deebo Samuel, tight end George Kittle, edge rusher Nick Bosa and linebacker Fred Warner have all received lucrative extensions from the Pro Football Hall of Famer.
Brandon Aiyuk is coming off a career year for the 49ers in which he tallied 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns. He added nine receptions for 149 yards and a touchdown in three playoff games.
For his career, Aiyuk has 269 receptions for 3,931 yards and 25 touchdowns. He has played a vital role in San Francisco reaching each of the last three NFC Championship Games.
Extending Brandon Aiyuk Is A No-Brainer For 49ers
The 49ers could certainly look to trade Aiyuk and draft his receiver this week, but why take that risk when they can extend a superstar WR who’s just entering his prime years now?
Aiyuk’s game-breaking speed and elite route-running skills make him the perfect fit in a Kyle Shanahan-coached offense. No team in the league can match the 49ers’ star power at the offensive skill positions (Aiyuk, Kittle, Samuel and Christian McCaffrey), so of course they should do whatever it takes to keep the core together.
San Francisco’s Super Bowl window is wide open with quarterback Brock Purdy still on a rookie deal for two more years. It’s imperative that Lynch finds a way to secure Aiyuk long-term, because the latter’s presence puts San Francisco that much closer to finally winning a sixth Lombardi Trophy.
