The San Francisco 49ers painting a picture of their 2024 NFL Draft plans wasn’t the only topic of interest addressed Monday.
General manager John Lynch also needed to address the rumored future of wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk during the team’s pre-draft news conference.
The star wide receiver, who has posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, has had rumors swirling around him about possibly becoming a trade candidate ahead of the upcoming NFL Draft. Aiyuk is up for a new contract and is slated to earn up to $14 million, thanks to his fifth-year option.
Lynch got his opportunity to clear the air on where things stand between the reigning NFC champs and Aiyuk.
John Lynch Details if Meetings Between 49ers and Brandon Aiyuk Have Occurred
Lynch began his presser by sharing his love for the upcoming draft and how it’s a “coming together” process for the 49ers. It’s where he collaborates the most with his scouts, coaches, and other executives to determine who’ll represent the 49ers’ future.
However, Lynch got grilled about Aiyuk’s status. He addressed that by stating what his wish is in regard to Aiyuk’s future.
“I’ve communicated on a couple of occasions, on many occasions, our wish,” Lynch said. “And our wish is that he’s here and a part of the Niners for the rest of his career.”
#49ers GM John Lynch says they’re having “good talks” with WR Brandon Aiyuk and they’re “working through” being a part of the team “for the rest of his career.” Again, there’s been no trade request from Aiyuk. A long-term deal with the team is in play. pic.twitter.com/5ozJ029oLM
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) April 22, 2024
Does this mean the Niners and Aiyuk have had any sit-down sessions about his contract? Lynch gave a succinct description of the course of action taking place about Aiyuk’s future.
“We’re working through that,” Lynch said.
But there was another elephant in the room Lynch had to address.
Lynch Shares if Teams Have Offered Trade Deals for Aiyuk
Are other NFL teams flashing deals in front of Lynch and the 49ers’ brass in an effort to land Aiyuk’s services?
“Yeah, sure. We receive calls about a lot of players,” Lynch said.
Lynch, who has been with the Niners since 2017 and is now entering his eighth consecutive draft with the franchise, was then asked about a Sunday report from Mike Florio of NBC Sports’ Pro Football Talk indicating Aiyuk is being allowed to gauge interest across the league.
In that story, Florio shared this telling detail.
“Last weekend, Aiyuk’s agent took issue with a report that Aiyuk has requested a trade. The truth, however, is more along the lines of Aiyuk getting clearance to see whether someone would be willing to do a deal with the 49ers, which necessarily would entail someone doing a deal for Aiyuk,” Florio wrote.
“That could help the 49ers, if the financial offer another team might make to Aiyuk isn’t dramatically better than whatever the 49ers are willing to pay.”
Lynch was given the chance to share his side of the story on Florio’s reporting.
“I’m not going to get into all those details,” Lynch said. “We’re really focused on [Aiyuk] being part of us. He’s under contract, and we’re looking forward to that.”
Is There a Timetable for When a Deal Can Become Finalized?
Lynch is no stranger to being in this position with a high-profile wide receiver.
Just two years ago, Deebo Samuel became the subject of trade inquiries following his All-Pro 2021 season. Samuel’s name sprouted as a trade possibility on the first night of that draft. However, Samuel ended up signing his new deal on the eve of training camp in 2022.
Now, Aiyuk has become the major topic of interest in his pending 49ers future.
KEEP READING: Gap Could Be Bridged on Potential Brandon Aiyuk Deal
Already, there are rumblings that point to Aiyuk being open to a trade. Noticeable tactics he’s done include unfollowing the 49ers on Instagram and addressing what he hopes to get, contract-wise, while appearing on “The Nightcap” with Shannon Sharpe and Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson on March 28.
Lynch has insisted that talks are good between the Niners and Aiyuk. But many have wondered if there’s a deadline both sides would like to meet.
“Human nature is that deadlines force these things,” Lynch said. “But I think you can always learn from situations, and you’d be a fool not to. I’d like to have our business tidied up [earlier]. Those things, they ran the course they needed to, and I’m proud of our record of getting the guys we want to get done, done. But I’m right there with everyone else. I’d sure like it to happen sooner.”
