Why DeSean Jackson thinks it will be challenging for Aiyuk to remain with the 49ers

Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk of the 49ers has been the subject of much conjecture recently over his potential return to San Francisco for the upcoming campaign. Former Philadelphia Eagles standout DeSean Jackson is the most recent commentator to weigh in.

After recording his second straight 1,000-yard season in 2023, Aiyuk is expected to earn a sizable salary. Jackson recently forecast that the 49ers wide receiver will look to be traded out of the Bay Area.

“Given that he is approaching his fifth year in San Francisco, I think it will be difficult for him to stay there,” Jackson said to Kay Adams on Friday’s episode of “Up & Adams.” “I don’t believe they’ll be able to close a deal. Yes, release that individual and let him find another job elsewhere, because

It’s actually your fifth year; you should be getting that extension.

“I don’t think he wants to play for a whole season and then hold off on getting his bag secured or another one. Therefore, from this angle, I can clearly see him reaching to get out of there.”

Two days after the 49ers’ Super Bowl LVIII loss, on locker clean-out day, Aiyuk, who is about to begin the fifth and final year of his rookie contract, left his future with San Francisco up in the air when responding to queries from local reporters. The receiver also stoked trade rumors last week by making a mysterious post directed at Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin.

Furthermore, Jackson thinks highly of Aiyuk given the 49ers’ current roster’s abundance of highly compensated players.

might turn out to be the odd man out.

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However, general manager John Lynch and company have a history of rewarding their players, as seen with the signing of new contracts by Nick Bosa, George Kittle, Fred Warner, and Deebo Samuel. All of these players did so shortly before or after training camp began.

Before he was able to negotiate an extension before the 2022 NFL season, Samuel even asked to be traded, demonstrating that even while contract negotiations might be challenging, a player expressing his desire to go doesn’t necessarily mean everything is lost.

“I believe we have a good history.”

Brandon is a player we want to keep around for a long time, so we want to extend the players that are essential to us,” Lynch stated earlier this month at the NFL Scouting Combine.

It remains to be seen if and when the GM can make it happen.