WR Brandon Aiyuk, SF (4 Viewers)

[travdogg]

Another problem Aiyuk has when it comes to getting an extension, is that he's the most replaceable of the 49ers weapons. CMC and Kittle (arguably) are the best guys in the NFL at their positions. Deebo is a 1 of 1 weapon. Aiyuk (while a better man coverage beater and route runner than Deebo) is just a very good traditional WR. His advantage is being the youngest of the group, but I'd very much argue he's also the least talented of the group. That's not an insult by any means, but I feel like if I were ranking importance to the offense, its:

1. CMC
2. Kittle
3. Deebo
4. Aiyuk

As an aside, sometimes I think Deebo Samuel is vastly underrated. There's literally not another player in the NFL who can do what he does. Hell, I truly think if Deebo were to commit to being a full-time RB, he'd be a top-5 guy. I think the guff Deebo gets for not having a good game in the Super Bowl is unwarranted, and more about Trent McDuffie being awesome then Deebo coming up short. I thought the 49ers biggest offensive issue in that game (and in most losses) is underusing George Kittle.

ETA: Ideally, they keep Aiyuk and Deebo together long-term. Nobody in the NFL has better offensive weapons, and they've been in the final 4 in all but 1 of the last 5 seasons.

I disagree. there is one other that can do what he does. his name is Christian McCaffrey. dude can run routes and he can run the ball obviously CMC is the better runner and Deebo the better WR but both players arguably have a similar skillset. They just happen to play a different position.

if anything I'd say CMC made deebo somewhat redundant. due to his age and this situation, the preference if I was 49'ers GM would be to sign Aiyuk and trade Deebo.

I'd 100% disagree that CMC made Deebo redundant. I think they make each other more effective because its very hard to account for both.

stats say otherwise. deebo had 1400 yards receiving and 350 yards rushing the year prior to CMC's arrival and hes come nowhere close to those numbers since. granted there is more to football than just stats but its an indicator

That was a pretty outlier season, where Deebo averaged 18.2 yards per catch, as Aiyuk's 17.9 last year may have been as well. Could also argue Deebo's numbers coming down have come from Aiyuk breaking out. Not to mention Deebo's own injuries. Last season was Deebo's 2nd best season, his 17-game pace was 1300-15 which would have been WR3 in standard where Deebo always performs better.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Another problem Aiyuk has when it comes to getting an extension, is that he's the most replaceable of the 49ers weapons. CMC and Kittle (arguably) are the best guys in the NFL at their positions. Deebo is a 1 of 1 weapon. Aiyuk (while a better man coverage beater and route runner than Deebo) is just a very good traditional WR. His advantage is being the youngest of the group, but I'd very much argue he's also the least talented of the group. That's not an insult by any means, but I feel like if I were ranking importance to the offense, its:

1. CMC
2. Kittle
3. Deebo
4. Aiyuk

As an aside, sometimes I think Deebo Samuel is vastly underrated. There's literally not another player in the NFL who can do what he does. Hell, I truly think if Deebo were to commit to being a full-time RB, he'd be a top-5 guy. I think the guff Deebo gets for not having a good game in the Super Bowl is unwarranted, and more about Trent McDuffie being awesome then Deebo coming up short. I thought the 49ers biggest offensive issue in that game (and in most losses) is underusing George Kittle.

ETA: Ideally, they keep Aiyuk and Deebo together long-term. Nobody in the NFL has better offensive weapons, and they've been in the final 4 in all but 1 of the last 5 seasons.

I disagree. there is one other that can do what he does. his name is Christian McCaffrey. dude can run routes and he can run the ball obviously CMC is the better runner and Deebo the better WR but both players arguably have a similar skillset. They just happen to play a different position.

if anything I'd say CMC made deebo somewhat redundant. due to his age and this situation, the preference if I was 49'ers GM would be to sign Aiyuk and trade Deebo.

I'd 100% disagree that CMC made Deebo redundant. I think they make each other more effective because its very hard to account for both.

stats say otherwise. deebo had 1400 yards receiving and 350 yards rushing the year prior to CMC's arrival and hes come nowhere close to those numbers since. granted there is more to football than just stats but its an indicator

That was a pretty outlier season, where Deebo averaged 18.2 yards per catch, as Aiyuk's 17.9 last year may have been as well. Could also argue Deebo's numbers coming down have come from Aiyuk breaking out. Not to mention Deebo's own injuries. Last season was Deebo's 2nd best season, his 17-game pace was 1300-15 which would have been WR3 in standard where Deebo always performs better.

The hyper efficiency of Aiyuk concerns me from a FF perspective, and perhaps it concerns 49er FO a bit as well.

Incredible to see a player clear 1300 yards on just 75 receptions. The year before he had 78/1015

I’m not saying that’s why they’re at a stalemate in negotiations, but I could envision a front office not wanting to pay Aiyuk CeeDee Lamb $ (135 receptions) or ARSB $ (119 receptions)

And no knock on Aiyuk - I hope he gets his bag and stays with SF. And it’s certainly possible he’d increase his output with another team.

Then again it’s also possible he doesn’t. And that his 1300+ yards fall back to earth in 2024.

Anyway, I hope he gets paid. He belongs in crimson & gold.

 

[jtd13]

I'd 100% disagree that CMC made Deebo redundant. I think they make each other more effective because its very hard to account for both.

This. It's like having 2 queens in chess.

And name a better NFL city for 2 queens than SF

 

[Ray_T]

I'd 100% disagree that CMC made Deebo redundant. I think they make each other more effective because its very hard to account for both.

This. It's like having 2 queens in chess.

And name a better NFL city for 2 queens than SF

I cannot argue with that logic. Nor would I try.

 

[Mr. Irrelevant]

I disagree. there is one other that can do what he does. his name is Christian McCaffrey. dude can run routes and he can run the ball obviously CMC is the better runner and Deebo the better WR but both players arguably have a similar skillset. They just happen to play a different position.

if anything I'd say CMC made deebo somewhat redundant. due to his age and this situation, the preference if I was 49'ers GM would be to sign Aiyuk and trade Deebo.

Not directly relevant but ... as the commish I tend to go a little overboard on our neighborhood fantasy league's writeups. This is a direct copy-paste of what I wrote in last year's season preview:

What's New That Sucks: 49ers jack-of-all-trades Deebo Samuel!

Remember 2021 Deebo? How much fun that was, when every Niners offensive play was like pulling the handle on a Friday-branded slot machine? Would Deebo take a handoff up the gut? Would it be a jet sweep? A toss in the slot designed to get him into space? A long bomb down the right side? Perhaps a two-back set where Deebo lead blocks and puts some poor nickel corner on his a$$? For all we know, next series Deebo might be out attempting a field goal or on the sideline barking playcalls into a headset.

Nothing much has changed about the 49ers’ offense since those devil-may-care days! Oh, right, unless you count that time last year where the front office traded a huge haul for, and gave the NFL’s largest contract at the position to, God-tier Christian McCaffrey - who does the exact same things Deebo does, but better. I’m sure there’s a rationale for using a top-20 WR pick on a guy who might wind up being the 4th-priority target of a 7th-round quarterback with like eight career starts to his name ... but honestly, it’s kinda eluding me at the moment.

 

[Faust]

Brandon Aiyuk next team odds: Patriots, Commanders in play for star wideout?

 

[Faust]

Brandon Aiyuk team fits: Five potential landing spots after San Francisco 49ers receiver's trade request

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Breaking: Aiyuk will report to camp tomorrow.

 

[FarFromHome]

Breaking: Aiyuk will report to camp tomorrow.

I can think of 40k a day reasons why. Ha ha

 

[Lansdowne]

Breaking: Aiyuk will report to camp tomorrow.

I can think of 40k a day reasons why. Ha ha

I wonder if he'll take the "hold-in" approach.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Breaking: Aiyuk will report to camp tomorrow.

I can think of 40k a day reasons why. Ha ha

I wonder if he'll take the "hold-in" approach.

Possible. It’s his only real option besides practicing & working out a deal.

Being petulant helped a DE in MIA, so we’ll see.

 

[Jail]

Breaking: Aiyuk will report to camp tomorrow.

I can think of 40k a day reasons why. Ha ha

I wonder if he'll take the "hold-in" approach.

That move worked for Deebo and Bosa, so I would be surprised if Aiyuk didn't take the same approach.

PFT/Florio reported that there were 5 teams that were willing to pay Aiyuk what he was asking from SF, so it would be pretty risky to practice in full without a contract.

 

[Wingnut]

Breaking: Aiyuk will report to camp tomorrow.

I can think of 40k a day reasons why. Ha ha

I wonder if he'll take the "hold-in" approach.

That move worked for Deebo and Bosa, so I would be surprised if Aiyuk didn't take the same approach.

Except Bosa didnt hold in, he held out, but the team waived the fines for his absence. They weren't gonna do the same for Aiyuk.

 

[FarFromHome]

Breaking: Aiyuk will report to camp tomorrow.

I can think of 40k a day reasons why. Ha ha

I wonder if he'll take the "hold-in" approach.

That move worked for Deebo and Bosa, so I would be surprised if Aiyuk didn't take the same approach.

Except Bosa didnt hold in, he held out, but the team waived the fines for his absence. They weren't gonna do the same for Aiyuk.

Wonder why they weren't willing to waive for Aiyuk? Seems kinda odd they would for one and not another. Or am I missing something?

 

[Wingnut]

Breaking: Aiyuk will report to camp tomorrow.

I can think of 40k a day reasons why. Ha ha

I wonder if he'll take the "hold-in" approach.

That move worked for Deebo and Bosa, so I would be surprised if Aiyuk didn't take the same approach.

Except Bosa didnt hold in, he held out, but the team waived the fines for his absence. They weren't gonna do the same for Aiyuk.

Wonder why they weren't willing to waive for Aiyuk? Seems kinda odd they would for one and not another. Or am I missing something?

Cuz they view Bosa as a top 3 player at his position and pretty much irreplaceable. Kittle and Warner too. Hell they haven't found a reliable bookend at DE for Bosa yet because they're so hard to find.

Aiyuk is good, and might be top 10, but he's not seen as irreplaceable as those other guys.

 

[Big Nate]

With the Pearsall injury I wonder if a deal gets done with Aiyuk sooner than later. Pearsall could be slow out of the gates and a longer term play for those in dynasty.

 

[Wingnut]

With the Pearsall injury I wonder if a deal gets done with Aiyuk sooner than later. Pearsall could be slow out of the gates and a longer term play for those in dynasty.

John Lynch today said Pearsall will miss the first block of training camp (the first four days of practice). They expect him back soon after their day off on Sunday.

 

[Big Nate]

With the Pearsall injury I wonder if a deal gets done with Aiyuk sooner than later. Pearsall could be slow out of the gates and a longer term play for those in dynasty.

John Lynch today said Pearsall will miss the first block of training camp (the first four days of practice). They expect him back soon after their day off on Sunday.

Hammy's in TC/Pre-season aren't usually good. Hopefully it isn't serious and doesn't linger. I hate TC/pre-season injuries.

 

[Wingnut]

Does Cowherd know something??

Via Twitter:

Keep your eyes out for Brandon Aiyuk news. #NewDealSF

x.com

twitter.com

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Does Cowherd know something??

Well there is the first time for everything.

 

[Lansdowne]

No sign of Brandon Aiyuk at today’s practice.

x.com

x.com

 

[metoo]

Does Cowherd know something??

Via Twitter:

Keep your eyes out for Brandon Aiyuk news. #NewDealSF

x.com

twitter.com

If I had followers like him, I would have tweeted this because it’s August and that’s what SF does. Aiyuk is not leaving SF because they have no one to replace him. Without him they are not sniffing the superbowl.
This thread in the offseason is exhausting but still not as bad as last offseason when some of y’all really thought Lamar Jackson deal wasn’t going to get done. Some thought because there were no trade offers meant he wasn’t valued. Just the opposite, teams know not to waste time on a deal that’s not getting done.

 

[Faust]

Fowler on the 49ers and Brandon Aiyuk: ‘The situation has gotten really sticky’

 

[Faust]

NFL Analyst Reports Cleveland Browns A Finalist for Brandon Aiyuk Trade

 

[Faust]

Matt Maiocco
I’ve stated for a while that I didn’t see any scenario in which the 49ers would trade him. Now, I believe it’s a legitimate option. In a lot of ways, the ball is in Aiyuk’s court.

x.com

x.com

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Matt Maiocco
I’ve stated for a while that I didn’t see any scenario in which the 49ers would trade him. Now, I believe it’s a legitimate option. In a lot of ways, the ball is in Aiyuk’s court.

x.com

x.com

Slow news day.

 

[Wingnut]

I say trade him. Enough of this distraction.

 

[Lansdowne]

There’s a part of me that wants to see Aiyuk traded since it would fly in the face of those who were so confident he was not going anywhere, and also to see how much the 49ers fans turn against him.

But there’s another part of me that is worried about that outcome (that part of me has Aiyuk and Purdy on my fantasy team).

 

[Leroy Hoard]

There’s a part of me that wants to see Aiyuk traded since it would fly in the face of those who were so confident he was not going anywhere, and also to see how much the 49ers fans turn against him.

But there’s another part of me that is worried about that outcome (that part of me has Aiyuk and Purdy on my fantasy team).

I have BA as a possible keeper so I want the more sure thing over spinning the wheel and hoping he lands somewhere decent plus somehow hits the ground running.

 

[farfromforgotten]

There’s a part of me that wants to see Aiyuk traded since it would fly in the face of those who were so confident he was not going anywhere, and also to see how much the 49ers fans turn against him.

But there’s another part of me that is worried about that outcome (that part of me has Aiyuk and Purdy on my fantasy team).

Why shouldn’t Niners fans be confident that he isn’t going anywhere? We’ve seen this many times in recent years. What’s the point in panicking “oh noes, he’s leaving, help us!” I guess I just don’t understand the point of your comment. I believe, as I always have, that he’ll ultimately be with the team by the time the season starts.

 

[Lansdowne]

There’s a part of me that wants to see Aiyuk traded since it would fly in the face of those who were so confident he was not going anywhere, and also to see how much the 49ers fans turn against him.

But there’s another part of me that is worried about that outcome (that part of me has Aiyuk and Purdy on my fantasy team).

Why shouldn’t Niners fans be confident that he isn’t going anywhere? We’ve seen this many times in recent years. What’s the point in panicking “oh noes, he’s leaving, help us!” I guess I just don’t understand the point of your comment. I believe, as I always have, that he’ll ultimately be with the team by the time the season starts.

There’s being confident and there’s being dismissive (which is what I really meant to get at) of the possibility that he might get traded. There have been people in this thread, both Niners fans and neutrals, claiming this is how the Niners do business and he isn’t going anywhere. That may very well be the case like you said. I just personally would find it funny if it went the other direction, mainly because I don’t believe in dealing in absolutes when it comes to these sort of things. Never say never.

 

[Wingnut]

Preseason starts this week. Either extend him, make him play on his 5th year, or trade him, I don't have a preference at this point. Just get it done, and we can all move on and focus on the season.

If he's a 49er this season, cool. If he's not, cool. Just figure it out FFS.

 

[Wingnut]

Schefter:

"If Brandon Aiyuk doesn't wanna go to a team he can say I'm not taking that contract. He has the ability to say no to these teams if he doesn't wanna go there"

x.com

twitter.com

 

[travdogg]

If Aiyuk gets dealt (something I would be a little surprised by) I think Deebo and especially Kittle get massive bumps. Deebo becomes arguably a top-5 WR, and Kittle has a strong case for TE1 overall.

In games the last 2 seasons where 1 of Aiyuk, Deebo or Kittle were out, with Purdy's starts bolded:
Deebo's statlines have been=66-1, 97-0, 131-1
Kittle's were=39-1, 93-2, 120-2, 23-1, 7-90, 5-78, 9-149

 

[Wingnut]

If Aiyuk gets dealt (something I would be a little surprised by) I think Deebo and especially Kittle get massive bumps. Deebo becomes arguably a top-5 WR, and Kittle has a strong case for TE1 overall.

In games the last 2 seasons where 1 of Aiyuk, Deebo or Kittle were out, with Purdy's starts bolded:
Deebo's statlines have been=66-1, 97-0, 131-1
Kittle's were=39-1, 93-2, 120-2, 23-1, 7-90, 5-78, 9-149

If BA gets traded, and SF doesn't get a WR in the deal, Deebo and Pearsall become WR1a and WR1b IMO, and Kittle and CMC will continue to get a ton of targets, with a bump to Jennings, who signed an extension this offseason.

49ers top receiving targets, 2023:

1. Aiyuk 102
2. Kittle 90
3. Deebo 89
4. CMC 83
5. Jennings 33
6. Juszczyk 17
7. McCloud 13

If SF trades Aiyuk and gets a WR in the deal (Amari Cooper?), it would most likely be a plug and play scenario, but with Pearsall in the mix, I dont see a new WR coming in and getting 100 targets. I could see Pearsall and a new WR splitting maybe 70% of those targets, and the rest being spread out amongst the others.

It's gonna be interesting to see how everything plays out.

 

[Deamon]

If Aiyuk gets dealt (something I would be a little surprised by) I think Deebo and especially Kittle get massive bumps. Deebo becomes arguably a top-5 WR, and Kittle has a strong case for TE1 overall.

In games the last 2 seasons where 1 of Aiyuk, Deebo or Kittle were out, with Purdy's starts bolded:
Deebo's statlines have been=66-1, 97-0, 131-1
Kittle's were=39-1, 93-2, 120-2, 23-1, 7-90, 5-78, 9-149

Might be time to speculatively bump those 2 in bestballs just in case...

 

[Wingnut]

Akash:

It sure feels like it’s up to Brandon Aiyuk now —

Is he willing to accept a trade and extension from a less desirable destination OR is he willing to accept less than what he thinks he’s worth to stay in San Francisco.

 

[Wingnut]

Sources: There is currently no trade in place for All-Pro WR Brandon Aiyuk to the #Steelers.

I’m told the #49ers have had discussions in recent days regarding a potential Aiyuk trade with several teams, but as of this post -- nothing is finalized.

x.com

twitter.com

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

The one I kinda liked was to the Browns for Amari Cooper, but it’s just nerd porn. Cooper is due what, $25M?

Why get 4+ years older for a few million. Just pay Aiyuk at that point. It’s dumb.

 

[Wingnut]

The one I kinda liked was to the Browns for Amari Cooper, but it’s just nerd porn. Cooper is due what, $25M?

Why get 4+ years older for a few million. Just pay Aiyuk at that point. It’s dumb.

Actually, SF would only be on the hook for $1.2 million of Coopers salary.

"Surely, Aiyuk is a better player than Cooper at this point, but the former Raider and Cowboy is still a productive player, and salary cap wise, that would be a huge positive for the 49ers.

The team would clear $14.124 million in cap space by sending Aiyuk to the Browns, without dead money, and they would take only $1.21 million of Cooper's deal.

That happens because the Browns restructured Cooper's contract earlier this year, paying $18.79 million as a signing bonus. That part of the contract stays with Cleveland, and the 49ers would take only the minimum base salary."

https://atozsports.com/nfl/san-francisco-49ers-news/financial-implications-brandon-aiyuk-amari-cooper-trade-49ers-browns/

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

The one I kinda liked was to the Browns for Amari Cooper, but it’s just nerd porn. Cooper is due what, $25M?

Why get 4+ years older for a few million. Just pay Aiyuk at that point. It’s dumb.

Actually, SF would only be on the hook for $1.2 million of Coopers salary.

"Surely, Aiyuk is a better player than Cooper at this point, but the former Raider and Cowboy is still a productive player, and salary cap wise, that would be a huge positive for the 49ers.

The team would clear $14.124 million in cap space by sending Aiyuk to the Browns, without dead money, and they would take only $1.21 million of Cooper's deal.

That happens because the Browns restructured Cooper's contract earlier this year, paying $18.79 million as a signing bonus. That part of the contract stays with Cleveland, and the 49ers would take only the minimum base salary."

https://atozsports.com/nfl/san-francisco-49ers-news/financial-implications-brandon-aiyuk-amari-cooper-trade-49ers-browns/

I’m not sure the Browns wanna pay Brandon $30 million a year though.

 

[Wingnut]

The one I kinda liked was to the Browns for Amari Cooper, but it’s just nerd porn. Cooper is due what, $25M?

Why get 4+ years older for a few million. Just pay Aiyuk at that point. It’s dumb.

Actually, SF would only be on the hook for $1.2 million of Coopers salary.

"Surely, Aiyuk is a better player than Cooper at this point, but the former Raider and Cowboy is still a productive player, and salary cap wise, that would be a huge positive for the 49ers.

The team would clear $14.124 million in cap space by sending Aiyuk to the Browns, without dead money, and they would take only $1.21 million of Cooper's deal.

That happens because the Browns restructured Cooper's contract earlier this year, paying $18.79 million as a signing bonus. That part of the contract stays with Cleveland, and the 49ers would take only the minimum base salary."

https://atozsports.com/nfl/san-francisco-49ers-news/financial-implications-brandon-aiyuk-amari-cooper-trade-49ers-browns/

I’m not sure the Browns wanna pay Brandon $30 million a year though.

Agree, but they're one of the rumored teams that had/have interest or whatever, so people are gonna speculate.

 

[TheDirtyWord]

My guess is that this gets done at some point in August with the 49ers settling for draft compensation, maybe a vet piece.

For as many offenses as Shanahan has authored that have been prolific, his most explosive one still IMO was the 2016 Falcons.

The #2 WR on that team was Mohammed Sanu. The #3 was Taylor Gabriel. Yes, they had peak Julio, but I don't think they need Aiyuk to win a title. Also, they seem to love Juwan Jennings who they did ink to a 2 year extension back in May. And of course, they drafted Pearsall.

They pretty much always had a line in the sand. The ball has always been in Aiyuk's court.

 

[Wingnut]

Mike Garafolo:

As fluid a situation as I can recall recently. Feels like we’re getting closer to a resolution with Brandon Aiyuk and the #49ers but not there yet.

x.com

twitter.com

 

[sm8680]

Brown's are the Cray Cray team they went way over board for Deshaun Watson so I can see them going Cra Cra again for Brandon. Browns best 3 WR Amari Cooper, Jerry Jeudy, and Elijah Moore. They don't desperately need Brandon. If anything, they could be trying to drive up the price.

 

[sm8680]

Keep in mind 49'ers like a lot of teams have Superbowl aspirations. They are better off keeping Brandon and trying to win the Super Bowl with him. While Pearsall goes through the maturation process.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Brown's are the Cray Cray team they went way over board for Deshaun Watson so I can see them going Cra Cra again for Brandon. Browns best 3 WR Amari Cooper, Jerry Jeudy, and Elijah Moore. They don't desperately need Brandon. If anything, they could be trying to drive up the price.

If Aiyuk goes to CLE their top WR become Aiyuk, Jeudy, Moore.

Cooper would be coming back, which I’d be fine with as a Niners fan.

 

[jabarony]

Trade him to the Patriots. Let's see how good he really is!

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Aiyuk wants to be a Commander,

Cool, give us a 1st + Dotson.


Patriots would be hilarious @jabarony

 

[Lansdowne]

Trade him to the Patriots. Let's see how good he really is!

Don’t threaten me with a good time!