Brandon Aiyuk has emerged as the 49ers' top receiving target, leading the team with 1,342 receiving yards and surpassing 1,000 yards for the second consecutive season. San Francisco is actively negotiating a contract extension to secure Aiyuk's presence on the team for the foreseeable future.
"I've communicated on a couple of occasions, on many occasions, our wish," said general manager John Lynch last month. "And our wish is that he's here and a part of the Niners for the rest of his career. We're working through that."
One fan asked Kawakami what a contract extension for Aiyuk might mean for his teammate and friend, Samuel. Could it imply that the 49ers are inevitably moving on from the versatile offensive weapon?
"I think a lot of things over the last few years have signaled that Deebo isn't likely to be a 49er beyond 2024, and yes, a presumed giant new deal for Aiyuk would be the latest indication," Kawakami responded. "It's extremely unlikely that the 49ers will want two receivers near the top of the market while also having the top-paid running back (Christian McCaffrey) and offensive lineman (Trent Williams) and fourth-highest-paid tight end (George Kittle)."
Kawakami underscores that Samuel's current contract includes a potential out after the upcoming season, which the receiver and his agent obviously found acceptable during the negotiation process.
Consequently, Samuel might view the upcoming season akin to a contract year, which could prove advantageous for the 49ers. While Samuel amassed an impressive 1,770 all-purpose yards in 2021, including 1,405 receiving yards, he has failed to replicate such figures over the past two seasons, missing six games during that period.
"I think Shanahan and Lynch are betting that putting Deebo into what's essentially a contract year will motivate him to have the best season possible," Kawakami remarked, "which would put himself in the best possible negotiating position next summer. The same way he did in 2021 leading into the 2022 negotiations.
"It's possible that Shanahan and Lynch are wrong about this. But I suspect that they're right."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Former agent reveals key deadline for 49ers-Brock Purdy contract talks
All eyes are on April 22 as a crucial date in the ongoing negotiations between the San Francisco 49ers and quarterback Brock Purdy. That's when the team begins its offseason program—just two days before the 2025 NFL Draft. The question on many minds: will Purdy show up... -
49ers hold pre-draft visit, workout with Pitt OL Branson Taylor
The Draft Network's Ryan Fowler reports that the San Francisco 49ers recently visited with Pitt offensive lineman Branson Taylor and held a private workout with the draft prospect. The 49ers recently visited with Pitt OL Branson Taylor (6'6", 321, 33 1/4 arm) and also held a... -
49ers Named As Potential Trade Destination for All-Pro DE Trey Hendrickson
As higher-profile contract talks continue between the San Francisco 49ers and quarterback Brock Purdy, the team is still putting in plenty of time looking at ways to upgrade their defensive line, which (like the rest of the 49ers' defensive unit) struggled mightily in... -
Projection of Early Return of 49ers' Brandon Aiyuk Continues to Gain Traction
The big story of the 2024 pre-season in San Francisco was the long, arduous contract negotiation involving 49ers' star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. By the beginning of the regular season, his contract was done, but the drama continued. Aiyuk was viewed by some 49er fans...