While ESPN's Bill Barnwell believes that Pearsall's selection could lead to the eventual parting ways with one of the 49ers' wide receivers, he points out another impact Aiyuk's former Arizona State teammate might have on his 2024 campaign.
"Aiyuk might be delighted to link up with a former teammate, but in the short term, adding another first-round pick to an already-crowded group of playmakers only makes it harder for Aiyuk to repeat his breakout 1,342-yard season from a year ago," Barnwell explained in a feature for ESPN.
Aiyuk led the 49ers in receiving yards last season, surpassing 1,000 for the second consecutive season and proving he can be a top receiver in the NFL. Aiyuk couldn't have picked a better time to have his most productive season, as it will only aid him at the contract negotiation table.
The 49ers reportedly received calls before and during the draft from teams inquiring about trading for Aiyuk. Multiple reports indicated that San Francisco sought a first-round pick for the wideout, and no offer intrigued them enough to consider moving on from him.
Aiyuk is scheduled to earn $14.124 million on a team-exercised fifth-year option. Understandably, he would prefer to secure his financial future with an extension.
Regarding Pearsall, while the first-year player isn't viewed as an eventual replacement for Aiyuk, that doesn't necessarily mean he won't replace someone. Deebo Samuel is slated to count $24.2 million against the salary cap in 2025, while Jauan Jennings is scheduled to become a free agent.
Barnwell concluded, "Pearsall might not be a direct replacement for Aiyuk in the short term, but his presence could indicate San Francisco expects to move on from one of its wideouts sooner rather than later."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
How much did George Kittle's absence impact the 49ers?
Nick Bosa's absence loomed large during the Seattle Seahawks' game-winning drive as the San Francisco 49ers dropped another close contest, falling to 5-5 on the season. Once viewed as Super Bowl contenders, the 49ers are now fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive. While not... -
49ers plan to activate Gross-Matos; Wishnowsky likely to IR; Bosa, Williams updates; Aiyuk underwent surgery
The San Francisco 49ers are set to bolster their pass rush ahead of Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks. Head coach Kyle Shanahan announced that the team plans to activate defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos from injured reserve on Saturday, making him available for the Week... -
Brandon Allen embraces starting opportunity as 49ers prepare for Packers without Purdy
Brock Purdy will travel with the San Francisco 49ers for their Week 12 game against the Green Bay Packers, but it will be Brandon Allen making his first start for the team—and his first since 2021. RELATED: 49ers rule out Brock Purdy, Nick Bosa for Week 12 clash with... -
Kyle Shanahan, Brandon Allen discuss 49ers-Packers Week 12 matchup
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and quarterback Brandon Allen spoke with reporters after Friday's practice as the team prepares for its Week 12 matchup against the Green Bay Packers. Here's everything they said. Transcript provided by the San Francisco 49ers...