The San Francisco 49ers surprised many people on the first night of the 2024 NFL Draft when they took Florida Gators wide receiver Ricky Pearsall with the 31st overall pick. What was surprising about the pick was that Pearsall was considered by many to be worth a second round pick, not a late first round pick.
Additionally, many were surprised that the 49ers drafted a wide receiver without trading one of their two Pro Bowlers at the position: Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk. Trade scenarios involving Samuel, who has a cap hit over $28 million, have been ongoing for weeks. Additionally, rumors surrounding Aiyuk’s frustration with the front office in regards to his contract negotiations have led many to believe that he could be traded as well.
Of course, neither were traded on the first night of the draft and recent comments by head coach Kyle Shanahan cast doubt on whether they will happen at all.
San Francisco 49ers Head Coach Kyle Shanahan Discusses Trade Talks Surrounding Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk
After the first round ended, Shanahan was asked if he believed either Samuel or Aiyuk could still be traded during the draft. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, he replied:
“It doesn’t seem that likely to be honest. But I’m still on the table. If someone offered [owner] Jed [York] and John good stuff for me, I’m going to be out of here.”
While he acknowledged that there had been trade talks involving both players (separate talks), he also said that they did not really go anywhere.
In short, he anticipates both Pro Bowl wide receivers to be back with the team next season.
San Francisco 49ers General Manager John Lynch Confirms Kyle Shanahan’s Statement
Also according to Schefter, John Lynch believes that both wide receivers will be back with the 49ers next season. Of Aiyuk, Lynch said:
“I know that we’re continuing to have positive talks with [Aiyuk] and we are really efforting to get something done with him. We’re excited about continuing down that path and Brandon being a part of this team.”
Of Samuel, he said:
“Deebo is a part of this team and a big part of this team. We feel great about that group and we feel like we just made it better with another really good addition to it, who complements the group real well.”
With the addition of Pearsall, the 49ers have begun to set the foundation for their receiving core in the case that Samuel, Aiyuk, or both do not return in 2025. However, having them both back in 2024 means that Pearsall will get to learn from two Pro Bowl caliber players at his position.
That is not a bad spot to be in.
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