The San Francisco 49ers seem to be keeping their top two receivers for the upcoming season, but they still thought about other possibilities. Now that the commotion from the 2024 NFL draft has settled, new information is emerging about the 49ers’ approach.
As per ESPN reporter Jeremy Fowler, the 49ers entertained inquiries from teams regarding Deebo Samuel. The most noteworthy detail is not that it occurred, but rather when and how it happened.
“The 49ers did talk about Deebo Samuel with teams on Day 2 of the draft, but a source stated firmly two hours before the second round that San Francisco ‘isn’t moving him,'” Fowler wrote on May 7. “The interest intensified when San Francisco selected Florida wide receiver Ricky Pearsall — a player many teams had expected to go in the second round — at No. 31.”
The 49ers added another WR in Pearsall, which may pave the way for the departure of Samuel or Brandon Aiyuk. But at present, 49ers general manager John Lynch appears content with having one of the NFL’s most talented receiver groups as they aim for another Super Bowl run.
NFL Teams Given 49ers’ Asking Price for Aiyuk
Between Aiyuk and Samuel, Samuel seems like the more probable player to leave. His performance has been inconsistent and injuries are a concern, while Aiyuk has proven himself as a top deep threat at the NFL level.
However, Fowler’s report also indicates that the 49ers had an “asking price” for Aiyuk.
“Multiple teams informed me that they were interested in Brandon Aiyuk, but they believed the 49ers were seeking a first-round pick for him, with one comparing the situation to that of A.J. Brown, who was traded from Tennessee to Philadelphia in 2022 in exchange for the 18th pick,” Fowler wrote.
While Aiyuk for a first-round pick might seem like a reasonable trade to some, the concern is his salary. The former Arizona State standout will likely receive a contract worth close to $30 million annually based on the current WR market.
Giving up a first-round pick and committing to such a large sum of money was likely too much for some teams. It’s either that, or Aiyuk was never truly available to begin with.
49ers Legend’s Message to Brandon Aiyuk
In a recent interview with The Mercury News reporter Cam Inman, legendary 49ers receiver John Taylor commented on the team’s current situation. While he strongly supports QB Brock Purdy in the interview, he also addressed Aiyuk’s situation.
“Remember being at training camp and [general manager] John Lynch asked me, what did I think of Brandon Aiyuk. I said, ‘You want my honest opinion?’ He said, ‘Yeah.’ I said, ‘He’s a [expletive] of a receiver. He’s just thinking too much. He just has to go play, let his ability take over.’ I said I know that feeling. In his mind, he’s wondering, and he has to stop wondering,” Taylor said.
Of course, that was back when Aiyuk was just starting out. With the way that Aiyuk has played over the past two seasons, there’s little “wondering” to be done about his ability.
