Aside from that obvious statement, which highlights the fact that Aiyuk is the Niners’ leading receiver over the last
two seasons with back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, anyone watching San Francisco’s 2023 games can attest to how
he developed a strong rapport with quarterback Brock Purdy, whose own MVP-caliber season was heavily reliant on
that relationship with Ayuk.
Aiyuk and the 49ers are now discussing contract extensions, and it hasn’t always been pleasant, with the receiver
opting to social media to make cryptic comments. However, general manager John Lynch informed reporters that
the Niners are not planning to deal Aiyuk because to the extended stalemate.
It’s difficult to predict how this will finish, given the Niners’ history of extending their top players on rich contracts
while also trading outstanding players in similar situations.
If head coach Kyle Shanahan had his way, Aiyuk would not be leaving anytime soon.
Shanahan was asked about Aiyuk’s progress while speaking at the annual NFL owners meeting on Tuesday.
Shanahan typically avoids contract negotiations, instead deferring to Lynch and chief contract negotiator Paraag
Marathe. And the head coach reiterated that notion throughout his interviews with the media (h/t 49ers Webzone):
Two offseasons ago, San Francisco faced a similar situation with fellow wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who requested a
trade during his own extension dispute.
Despite the difficult conditions, Samuel and the 49ers eventually came to an arrangement to keep the receiver in the
Bay Area.
Keeping Samuel paid off for Purdy, who became the Niners’ full-time starting in late 2022.
As Shanahan pointed out, it is now also an issue of maintaining Aiyuk for the long haul.
