The San Francisco 49ers will start training camp without a wide receiver expected to see significant playing time this season. Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and his representation will have a chance to take advantage of some small leverage that came their way because of the injury.
The San Francisco 49ers had big WR news last week
Titans 49ers 204
As previously discussed on GH last week, Aiyuk requested a trade from the 49ers. The request came around the same time rookie Ricky Pearsall suffered an injury:
NFL Network reported that Aiyuk had requested a trade earlier today once he did not get a long term extension from the team. While many teams have reportedly tried to open trade talks with the 49ers, most notably the New England Patriots, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the team has told everyone that they have absolutely zero intentions of trading the star receiver.
If they were to trade their top receiver that would certainly open the door for a huge role for rookie receiver Ricky Pearsall. The only issue with that is the No. 31 overall pick was placed on the non football injury list later on the same day. This was just a very bad chain of events for the 49ers for the receiver room.
During contract extensions earlier this offseason, Aiyuk had very little leverage to play against the 49ers. If Aiyuk had leverage, it came before the 49ers drafted Pearsall in the first round of April’s draft. Knowing they might have to part with Deebo Samuel or Aiyuk in the future, the 49ers gave themselves insurance at receiver by drafting Pearsall.
Ricky Pearsall has a hamstring injury
However, Pearsall has a significant injury, and it could keep the rookie from gaining much-needed reps at practice before the season. According to Adam Schefter with ESPN, Pearsall suffered a hamstring injury and will start training camp on the physically unable to perform list.
49ers first-round pick Ricky Pearsall injured his hamstring and will open training camp on PUP.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 23, 2024
Brandon Aiyuk’s team has another chance to negotiate
With Pearsall on the sideline, Aiyuk’s team has their best chance to negotiate before the start of the season. Pearsall, a rookie missing substantial time in training camp, will likely be behind in learning the offense before Week 1. He’s in no shape to replace Aiyuk or Samuel to start the season.
Will Aiyuk take advantage of a scrupulous front office that is known for taking advantage of its best players?
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