49ers’ Brandon Aiyuk barely makes ESPN’s top WR list

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler continues his annual position-by-position rankings, surveying nearly 80 league executives, coaches, and scouts to compile his list of the NFL's top wide receivers. With Brandon Aiyuk seeking to become one of the league's highest-paid receivers, many were eager to see where the San Francisco 49ers player would land on the list.

Aiyuk made ESPN's top 10—but just barely. Understandably, Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings topped the list, with eight others ahead of Aiyuk, who came in at No. 10. Fowler revealed that the 49ers star won a tiebreaker with Cooper Kupp of the Los Angeles Rams, thanks to his career-high and team-leading 1,342 receiving yards in 2023.

"Aiyuk has come a long way from starting his career in Kyle Shanahan's doghouse due to inconsistencies as a rookie," Fowler wrote. "He's worked his way into premier status."

Aiyuk surpassed 1,000 receiving yards for the second consecutive season and is scheduled to earn $14.124 million on a team-exercised fifth-year option. This is well below market value for a top wideout. On Tuesday, Aiyuk requested a trade as negotiations for a long-term extension have reportedly stalled.

"More downfield production, huge jump in yards per catch, quietly has almost 300 [career] catches," an NFL executive told Fowler. "Excels as a blocker. Lower body ability is as good as anyone."

That executive, by the way, voted for Aiyuk as a top-3 receiver.

Aiyuk's statistics last season also include seven receiving touchdowns, with 49ers quarterbacks owning a 126.8 passer rating while targeting the veteran wideout. According to Pro Football Reference, Aiyuk's yards per catch jumped from 13.0 in 2022 to a career-high 17.9 in 2023. Fowler notes that more than 37% of his receptions went for 20-plus yards, leading the NFL.

One NFL personnel evaluator said of Aiyuk: "Premier route runner with open-field juice."

The 49ers are unlikely to trade Aiyuk unless they are blown away by an offer. Any interested team must also be willing to meet the receiver's salary demands. San Francisco holds significant leverage in their negotiations with Aiyuk. In addition to the fifth-year option, the team can utilize the franchise tag in future years, controlling the player's future.

Aiyuk's teammate, Deebo Samuel, received an honorable mention within ESPN's top wide receiver list. While Fowler notes that Samuel remains one of the best playmakers in the game, an AFC executive states that durability has become a concern.

ESPN's top 10 wide receivers are listed below:

1. Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings
2. Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins
3. Ja'Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals
4. CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys
5. Davante Adams, Las Vegas Raiders
6. A.J. Brown, Philadelphia Eagles
7. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions
8. Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
9. Stefon Diggs, Houston Texans
10. Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers