In his pre-draft press conference on Monday, San Francisco 49ers General Manager John Lynch said that his goal is to keep former ASU WR Brandon Aiyuk this year and beyond.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!#49ers GM John Lynch was asked about WR Brandon Aiyuk's future and how it could become difficult to keep him for the long-term from a cap standpoint.
Here's the full exchange:pic.twitter.com/NSU3bEikmQ
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) April 24, 2023
The team indicated its intention last month to exercise the fifth-year option on Aiyuk’s contract for the 2024 season. It would pay him $14.12 million in that season.
Aiyuk, now 25 years old, has been the subject of some recent trade talks, as the 49ers recently signed Deebo Samuel to a long-term deal and have Nick Bosa in the last year of his rookie contract.
John Lynch: Can't keep everyone, but we want Brandon Aiyuk this year and beyond. https://t.co/u2D3IqTGqb
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) April 24, 2023
The 49ers drafted Aiyuk in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Arizona State. In his three seasons with San Francisco, Aiyuk has recorded 194 receptions for 2,589 yards and 18 touchdowns. He has also scored two touchdowns on the ground.
Aiyuk had his best regular season last year for the 13-4 49ers, tallying a career-high 78 receptions, 1,015 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.
Aiyuk kidding me?! 🤯#ProBowlVote @THE2ERA
📺 #TBvsSF on FOX
📱 NFL+ // https://t.co/d2FDeaE8pp pic.twitter.com/QNPqo4spjm— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) December 11, 2022
Aiyuk came to the Sun Devils in 2018 from junior college. In his two seasons at ASU, he had 98 receptions, 1,666 yards and 11 touchdowns. He broke out his senior year to lead to him becoming a first round selection.
Just getting started, promise that.. pic.twitter.com/7xHMg7GmOP
— BA (@THE2ERA) January 28, 2020
This is the full quote from Lynch:
“We’re trying to do something special this year, and Brandon is going to be a big part of that and beyond as well. And so, yes, you always have to think out a few years, but we’re really excited about Brandon, feel like he made another big step (last) year, and I think the best is yet to come, and so we want him being a part of it. And at some point, yeah, you have to figure things out, and I guess we’ll take that as it comes. But as of right now and into the future, we’re really excited about Brandon Ayuk and where he’s at as a pro, the work he’s done to develop as a pro and become one of our core players here.”
Former ASU RB X Valladay to reportedly interview with Cardinals
*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, exclusive content, and access to our seasonal magazines! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Brendan Mau is a college sports insider and general assignment reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on twitter via @Brendan_Mau
