John Lynch: 49ers planning to pick up fifth-year option for WR Brandon Aiyuk

The San Francisco 49ers have a lot of questions to answer before the start of the 2023 season this fall. One of those being what to do with wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.

Well, we may have an answer to that one.

Speaking to the media Monday, general manager John Lynch hinted that the 49ers would be extending the fifth-year option to Aiyuk in the near future. “BA” is entering the fourth year of his rookie deal, scheduled to have a cap hit of $3.9 million for 2023. And after a breakout season in 2022, San Francisco is planning on Aiyuk being a key member of the 49ers for the next few years.

“Brandon’s been excellent for us,” Lynch said, via Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle. “I’d be shocked if we didn’t. We still have some time…We’re still discussing, but it probably makes sense to do that for Brandon. He’s a really good player.”

John Lynch said the #49ers plan to exercise Brandon Aiyuk's fifth-year option. Smart move.

"We're excited about watching Brandon move forward with us," Lynch said.

— Tracy Sandler (@49ersfangirl) March 27, 2023

Only 25-years-old, the Arizona State alum had his best year in 2022, finishing with his first 1000-yard-plus receiving season. Thanks to increased production, Lynch and the 49ers have garnered interest from other teams for BA. But despite fielding calls, SF has no plans to trade him in the near future.

“It’s interesting when you’re at these league functions, ownership meetings, combine, a lot of people ask about him. They really appreciate his game, and they see it ascending,” Lynch explained. “He’s a guy we’re very fortunate to have, and I think he’s just coming into his own. He’s only going to get better. So we’re excited about watching Brandon move forward with us.”

Deebo Samuel's Cap Hits:
2023: $8.6M
2024: $28.5M
2025: $24.2M

Brandon Aiyuk's Cap Hits:
2023: $3.9M
2024: $14.1M (5th-Year Option)

I don't think the #49ers will be able to pay $43M for 2 WRs against the salary cap in 2024, imo.

— Akash Anavarathan (@akashanav) March 27, 2023

While the 49ers remain steadfast on keeping Brandon Aiyuk right now, the team could feel differently after next season. Scheduled to pay defensive end Nick Bosa a massive extension, San Francisco will be strapped for cash in 2024. And with fellow wideout Deebo Samuel on the books for $28.5 million in 2023, the 49ers could be looking to offload some top-end players in the future.

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