Brandon Aiyuk can finally deliver 49ers a breakout season in 2022
By Peter Panacy
Why Brandon Aiyuk improves with 49ers in 2022
Doghouses may not be a thing, but it’s important to note the role Kyle Shanahan had for Brandon Aiyuk for much of the early portion of 2021 wasn’t exactly enticing enough.
As Larry Krueger of The Krueg Show told the Niner Noise Podcast earlier this spring, Shanahan frequently asked Aiyuk to be the offense’s deep threat, drawing coverage away from passing routes underneath, and this likely led to some frustrations on Aiyuk’s part, as quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo‘s relative lack of arm strength couldn’t take advantage of Aiyuk getting deep.
Two things will change in 2022, though.
Garoppolo will give way to strong-armed quarterback Trey Lance, who has no problem delivering deep balls despite what critics may say, and the 49ers’ Round 3 draft selection of former SMU wide receiver Danny Gray gives Shanahan that true deep threat.
Aiyuk, at least in theory, should be freed up to catch more passes from Lance this season than he could have from Garoppolo a year ago.
That’s important to note, too. For whatever the reasons, Aiyuk and Garoppolo never truly developed a top-notch bit of chemistry. Plus, if Deebo Samuel ends up holding out of offseason workouts and potentially training camp, Lance’s No. 1 target this spring will likely be Aiyuk.
On the surface, that should translate well over into the upcoming season.