49ers GM John Lynch speaks honestly about Brandon Aiyuk’s future

As the draft gets closer, the San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch believes there is a good chance to keep wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.

Lynch mentioned 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuelas an example. Like Samuel in 2022, Aiyuk has been looking for a contract all offseason this year.

“A few years ago, there was a lot of talk about another receiver, Deebo. And I said the same thing but with B.A.,” Lynch told reporters on Monday. “B.A. and I have had several conversations about this.”

“And our wish is for him to be here and be a part of the Niners for the rest of his career,” Lynch added. “We’re working on that and … I was a player once, and I never liked my business being out in the public, so I’m going to respect that, so I’m not going to speak for their side.”

“I can say we’re having good discussions, and I’m just going to leave it at that,” Lynch concluded.

Things didn’t go smoothly with Samuel two years ago when he requested a trade, which Aiyuk hasn’t done yet. Samuel eventually signed a three-year, $71.55 million deal.

Aiyuk has a $14.12 million fifth-year option with the 49ers, which is well below his expected annual asking price. Spotrac predicts Aiyuk to earn $24.9 million per year or a four-year, $99.82 million deal.

Brandon Aiyuk Has Been Public About His Contract Wishes

Aiyuk has been quite open about his contract desires since the end of the Super Bowl. His girlfriend, Rochelle Searight, and former junior college teammate, Draysean Hudson, both hinted at Aiyuk’s potential departure on social media.

Similarly, Aiyuk was non-committal with reporters during the 49ers’ locker room cleanout after the Super Bowl. He emphasized his contract desires during “The NightCap” podcast in March.

“If they don’t see the value in that [makes a walking motion with hands], that’s all it is. It isn’t anything else besides that. I can’t elaborate on it. We have professionals working on both sides, so hopefully, we can come to a professional agreement and continue playing professional football,” Aiyuk told hosts Chad Johnson and Shannon Sharpe.

Lynch has expressed his desire to keep Aiyuk throughout the offseason in press conferences. During the NFL annual owners meeting, Lynch stated that the organization won’t trade Aiyuk.

49ers Received Calls About Brandon Aiyuk

Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio reported that the 49ers have received calls about Aiyuk but nothing materialized. Florio mentioned that it could escalate again with the draft approaching.

Lynch acknowledged that there were inquiries about Aiyuk but gave a general response.

“Sure. We receive calls for a lot of players,” Lynch said.

Lynch also stressed that they’re “focused on Aiyuk being a part of us” and that “he’s under contract” this year. Additionally, Lynch neither confirmed nor denied whether the 49ers allowed Aiyuk to seek a trade.

The 49ers selected Aiyuk in 2020 with the No. 25 pick from Arizona State. He has 269 catches for 3,931 yards and 25 touchdowns.