The Brandon Aiyuk drama in San Francisco could soon be reaching a fever pitch.
With the NFL Draft only two days away, 49ers general manager John Lynch is contemplating what exactly to do with the unhappy, yet very talented wide receiver.
Aiyuk, who is slated to earn $14.12 million this season has expressed an extreme desire for a new deal but has not received one thus far.
Aiyuk has stirred the pot with cryptic messages posted on social media.
While he clearly wants a lucrative extension that offers him much more security and guaranteed money, the ball is in the 49ers court.
Lynch was tight-lipped when addressing Aiyuk’s situation and place on the team during a press conference with San Francisco media.
“I’m not going to get into all those details,” Lynch said. “We’re really focused on B.A. being part of us. He’s under contract and we’re looking forward to that.”
Despite the lack of true progress in negotiations, Lynch made it clear how much the organization values Aiyuk and how badly they want to make it work with him.
After all, Brandon Aiyuk’s don’t grow on trees, and Lynch knows that very well.
“Our wish is that he’s here and a part of the Niners for the rest of his career,” Lynch stated. “We’re working through that. As such, I was a player once and I never liked my business being out in the public. So, I’m going to respect that.”
Speculation further intensified when Lynch disclosed that Aiyuk has yet to report for offseason workouts, a move seen as leveraging his absence against the team.
Addressing inquiries about potential trade interest, Lynch offered vague responses, indicating that calls about Aiyuk are not uncommon but refraining from providing concrete details.
“I wouldn’t anticipate that,” Lynch remarked when asked about the possibility of Aiyuk being traded this week, stopping short of an outright denial.
Of course, this is the time of year when we have to take literally everything general managers say with a grain (or gallon) of salt.
It would be foolish to think that there isn’t legitimate trade interest in Aiyuk around the league.
While far from a perfect player, his toughness and unique skillset has been instrumental in San Francisco’s recent success.
What do you think will end up happening with Aiyuk?
Will Lynch and the Niners end up keeping him? … Will an extension be worked out?
Or will San Francisco end up trading him after all? … If so, what do you think they will haul back in return???