June, July, and August! The third crucial month is ongoing, and till now Brandon Aiyuk and the San Francisco 49ers haven’t settled on one deal. With a fully guaranteed $14.124 million on board, Aiyuk is set to play his fifth-year option in his current contract.

However, he wishes to earn something similar to the $120 million extension signed by Amon-Ra St. And as the team is unable to pay him that much amount, many analysts including Chris Broussard suggested the wide receiver play this season. They suggested so because it’s still a good amount that Aiyuk will be receiving this year, and then later if he wants can get traded somewhere else. Similarly, another analyst, Chris Simms, dived into this 49ers’ complexity, and gave his expanded version of why he thinks Aiyuk’s existence or non-existence doesn’t matter at all for Kyle Shanahan’s team!

Is Brandon Aiyuk demanding a lot?

In a recent episode of NFL on NBC on August 1, 2024, NFL analyst Chris Simms joined Mike Florio to react to Brandon Aiyuk and his contract demands with the team. While making a startling statement of his own version, Simms expressed, “I don’t see any like oh there’s some way he’ll get a new contract. He’s going to play hard ball sure, but I don’t see the 49ers bending much. I don’t think Aiyuk has a ton to stand on. It’s one special year of play and I wouldn’t say I don’t know if it was even that special last year. It was damn good, but again you know how much is [Kyle] Shanahan and what they device.”

He feels Aiyuk doesn’t have a strong case, pointing out that the WR had just one impressive season in 2023 (with 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns on 75 receptions), which Simms attributes largely to the 49ers’ strong system and running game. Additionally, the analyst believes Aiyuk is dependent on the team’s system rather than being a standout on his own.

Moreover, the 49ers have already drafted Ricky Pearsall, who Simms thinks they will groom to eventually replace Aiyuk. He suggests that if Aiyuk wants to secure a high-paying contract like other top receivers; he needs to perform well consistently, and that too in whatever amount is given. If Aiyuk underperforms or misses games, it could significantly impact his earnings.

Till now nothing has been finalized. But one major development in Santa Carla can definitely increase the heartbeat of Aiyuk, who hopes to stay with the Niners.

Will Ricky Pearsall take the position of Brandon Aiyuk?

The 49ers are getting a timely boost as rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall joins the team, just when they need it most. Brandon Aiyuk’s contract issues have left a gap on the team, but Pearsall, drafted 31st overall, is stepping onto the field at the perfect moment. And how is he doing? Well, according to the reports, he showed impressive skills during OTAs and minicamps, earning praise from both quarterback Brock Purdy and head coach Kyle Shanahan. The 44-year-old coach expressed, “He’s doing a good job. He’s got really good hands, so he always catches it. He’s rarely going to have a drop. We’re getting him a lot of reps. We’re getting him a lot of routes, trying all the positions, and we’ve been really impressed with how he’s started off.”

Pearsall’s reliable hands and elusiveness make him a valuable asset, especially with Ray Ray McCloud’s previous struggles. Competing with Jauan Jennings for the No. 3 receiver spot behind Deebo Samuel and, potentially, Aiyuk, Pearsall could quickly become a key player in the roster. In fact, his versatility and ability to build chemistry with Purdy could be crucial for the 49ers as they prepare for the season. Now if Aiyuk leaves or does not play the season, Pearsall could quickly take his spot. Well, at least that’s what and how the franchise might be planning for themselves.

Now all eyes will be on Pearsall to see how he integrates and contributes to San Francisco’s success.