The San Francisco 49ers have a difficult situation in front of them.
With just $6 million in cap space for the upcoming season and an even worse situation upcoming in 2025, the 49ers have been searching for the final pieces to add to a championship-caliber roster while also keeping their eyes on the future.
As of late, the team has even considered the idea of moving on from one of their top two receivers, Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk. On Thursday afternoon, 49ers general manager John Lynch addressed their futures in San Francisco.
John Lynch Addresses Wide Receiver Trade Rumors
In an interview on the “Pat McAfee Show,” Lynch spoke on the reason why the team appears to be shopping Samuel and Aiyuk while maintaining his overall affection for both players.
“I love our roster. I love the way it’s comprised,” Lynch said. “I’m doing everything in my power to keep the roster together.”
"I love our roster & I love the way it's comprised..
I'm doing everything in my power to keep our roster together & that's my goal..
Deebo & Aiuyk are guys that we drafted & we couldn't be more proud of these guys"@JohnLynch49ers #PMSLive #FTTB pic.twitter.com/cFneUDrPU8
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) May 2, 2024
Despite Lynch’s potential goals, the salary cap tells of a different story.
Aiyuk is entering the final year of his contract with the 49ers this season and is owed over $14 million. Samuel, on the other hand, has two years remaining on his deal but has an out in his contract before the 2025 season.
Perhaps that is why the 49ers focused on rebuilding the depth of their receiving corps during the 2024 NFL Draft. Again, even if Lynch normalizes it.
“The guys we drafted, the guys we take a lot of pride in what they have become,” Lynch said. “Do conversations happen? They do. We’re passed that now. My job is to think about the now and think into the future. We don’t do that without thinking if these guys can contribute right away.”
With other teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Buffalo Bills, and New England Patriots reportedly interested in either of the Pro Bowl talents, Lynch may want to keep his current core together, but it may not be the best thing for the franchise on a long-term basis.
49ers’ Wide Receiver Depth Chart
The current trade rumors only heated up following the 49ers’ 2024 draft selections. San Fran drafted Florida wide receiver Ricky Pearsall with the 31st pick — a clear sign that the team could be looking to ship one of their top receivers out of the Bay area.
Pearsall should see playing time while sharing the field with Samuel and Aiyuk in three-wide receiver sets, also known as 11-personnel. But last year’s WR3, Jauan Jennings, figures to be in the mix as well.
Outside of their top four wide receivers, the 49ers currently have seven other players at the position currently under contract, including 2024 fourth-round pick Jacob Cowing.
While Pearsall should be able to make an immediate impact, it appears the 49ers made this selection with their long-term future in mind. Not only is Aiyuk in a contract year, but so is Jennings.
If the team wants to pay Aiyuk, it also has to prepare for the mega-extension Brock Purdy will be eligible to sign after the 2024 season, which is why Samuel has been mentioned in trade rumors.
With so many weapons in need of long-term deals, the 49ers appear to be in a difficult situation. It’s why while the team may want to keep its core together, that might not be in the cards in the long term.