John Lynch mum on Brandon Aiyuk saga, downplays looming trade rumor

Apr 22, 2024, 1:53 PM | Updated: 6:26 pm

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 11: Brandon Aiyuk #11 of the San Francisco 49ers runs the ball after a catch for a first down in overtime against the Kansas City Chiefs during Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

BY AMILIANO FRAGOSO

San Francisco 49ers Beat Writer

While the 2024 NFL Draft is right around the corner, all eyes continue to be on the contract situation of Brandon Aiyuk.

John Lynch attempted to suppress the speculation, giving the notion that Aiyuk could be sticking around.

The San Francisco 49ers general manager tried to get in front of the looming questions from the media Monday, addressing the Aiyuk saga up front. While rumors have swirled around social media that the player wants out of The Bay since the team’s Super Bowl LVIII loss, that’s far from what the team wants at this time.

“With BA, I’ve communicated on many occasions, our wish. And our wish is that he’s here and a part of the 49ers for the rest of his career. We are working through that,” John Lynch said Monday.

As in typical 49ers’ fashion, any further details that would hinder talks weren’t revealed. The only real sentiment beyond the opening line is that Lynch and Co. want Aiyuk around for the long haul.

“I was a player once and I never liked my business being out in the public. And so, I’m going to respect that, I’m not going to speak for their side and say we’re having good talks. And, I’m just gonna leave it at that,” Lynch added.

John Lynch made it clear the 49ers want Brandon Aiyuk to be a 49er for the rest of his career (via @MaioccoNBCS) https://t.co/1VZ1bhumMg pic.twitter.com/9jfWkTwGcG

— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) April 22, 2024

Aiyuk, 26, is entering the fifth-year option of his rookie deal. Coming off a career year, the Rocklin native is looking to secure a long-term megadeal that will make him one of, if not the highest-paid wide receivers in football. And after Philadelphia Eagles’ Devonta Smith locked down a three-year, $75 million deal last week, Aiyuk’s case is only growing stronger by the day.

Lynch also reiterated that the player has not been at the facility since the start of the offseason program. That’s the norm for players entering contract talks, especially with the Red & Gold.

Because of that, teams have been calling on Aiyuk’s availability. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Jacksonville Jaguars are two teams rumors to be blowing up Lynch’s phone. The GM himself would never admit which teams called for Brandon Aiyuk but did admit that there have been talks.

“Sure. We receive calls on a lot of players,” Lynch said.

But again, it’s that time of the season, draft season I mean.

The 49ers are equipped with ten picks in the upcoming draft, including a first-rounder for the first time since 2021. That could mean more optionality for a big-time trade, especially if a certain prospect drops within the 49ers’ grasp.

“You’ve got to be nimble, you’ve got to be flexible so you can react to anything that comes your way. And that’s why you’ve got to be prepared,” Lynch said.

John Lynch on if there is any chance Brandon Aiyuk isn’t on the #49ers roster Friday, a day after the first round of the NFL draft: “I wouldn’t anticipate that.”

— Eric Branch (@Eric_Branch) April 22, 2024

Those talks don’t seem to include Brandon Aiyuk however, with Lynch offering one more tidbit on the way out of the conference room. When asked if a trade for BA was in the foreseeable future (i.e. the draft), Lynch smiled and dismissed the notion.

“I wouldn’t anticipate that,” he stated.