Brandon Aiyuk

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports the 49ers are focused on keeping Brandon Aiyuk for the long term.

Despite rampant speculation and reporting that the team had dangled Aiyuk as a trade candidate before and during the NFL Draft, Rapoport said the 49ers view Aiyuk as a “key piece” of Kyle Shanahan’s offense and have no desire to ship him to another team (it should be noted that 49ers general manager John Lynch denied reports that the team entertained a pre-draft trade of Aiyuk). Rapoport suggested Aiyuk could land a long-term deal similar to Devonta Smith, who last month signed a three-year contract extension worth up to $75 million. It seems likely Aiyuk will remain with the Niners for at least the 2024 season.