John Lynch on Brandon Aiyuk: 49ers want him 'for the rest of his career'

Speaking to reporters, John Lynch said that he hopes Brandon Aiyuk is 'part of the Niners for the rest of his career.'

In an ideal world, the San Francisco 49ers are able to keep star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk around for a very long time.

Things aren't always ideal, though.

The Niners are facing salary-cap challenges, and they will again in a year's time when quarterback Brock Purdy winds up receiving what'll be a massive contract extension. Aiyuk, too, is awaiting his own extension as he prepares to play out the final year of his rookie contract.

However, San Francisco might not have as big a value on Aiyuk as he has on himself, and that's only one of the many challenges facing general manager John Lynch and his staff.

Paired with some of the cryptic remarks made by Aiyuk on social media, it's understandable why many feel the 49ers' leading receiver from the last two seasons could be traded at some point between now and the 2024 NFL Draft, which kicks off on Thursday.

John Lynch confirms 49ers want Brandon Aiyuk around for a long time

Speaking with the press on the Monday before the draft, Lynch began his comments by talking about Aiyuk's status.

Confirming that Aiyuk is currently absent from the Niners' voluntary offseason workouts, Lynch also stressed that he hopes the wideout won't be going anywhere anytime soon.

"With BA, I've communicated on a couple of occasions, on many occasions, our wish," Lynch said. "Our wish is that he's here and part of the Niners for the rest of his career."

Lynch also noted how San Francisco went through a similar situation with another of its receivers, Deebo Samuel, who had requested a trade before netting his own contract extension in 2022.

"We're having good talks, and I'm just going to leave it here at that," Lynch concluded.

While things can ultimately change, including Lynch and the 49ers receiving a trade offer for Aiyuk that they can't refuse, today's presser is more evidence that the 2020 first-round pick isn't going anywhere.

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