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It's been a good year for rookie wide receivers in the NFL. According to Pro Football Focus' metrics, two of the best have been Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings and
Brandon Aiyuk of the San Francisco 49ers. Jefferson's numbers far exceed Aiyuk's.
Jefferson has 65 receptions for 1,078 yards and seven touchdowns, while Aiyuk has 50 receptions for 660 yards, four receiving touchdowns, and two rushing scores.
Jefferson isn't just the highest-graded rookie receiver. He is the highest-graded rookie, period. In fact, Jefferson is tied for the third-highest grade among all NFL receivers, behind only Davante Adams of the Green Bay Packers and Vikings teammate Adam Thielen.
Aiyuk has racked up 91-or-more receiving yards in four of his last five games. Since Week 9, he is one of three NFL receivers averaging 95 yards per game. The other two are Tyreek Hill of the Kanas City Chiefs and Adams.
Analyst Greg Cosell joined KNBR this week and spoke highly of Aiyuk, who he feels is hindered by poor quarterback play. Cosell feels that with more consistency out of his passers, Aiyuk may be putting up Jefferson-type numbers.
"I don't view what I'm about to say as a bold, controversial take, but I think if Aiyuk was in Minnesota, he'd be doing the same thing that Jefferson is doing," Cosell told Greg Papa and John Lund. "I think that, obviously, because of the quarterback situation in San Francisco and the inconsistent nature of the pass game week to week, that Aiyuk's numbers are not going to be what some might hope they would be, but I think he's played extremely well.
"I think he has a chance to be a great player. I think he's a pretty multi-dimensional complete receiver. I think that he can get vertical. I think he's got really good run-after-catch. I think in Kyle's system, we're so used to (Deebo) Samuel running the jet sweeps and the orbit reverses, Aiyuk can do that as well. So, I think he's a pretty complete player."
Jefferson was drafted No. 21 overall, three spots ahead of Aiyuk, the sixth receiver selected in April. The third receiver selected (No. 17 overall) was CeeDee Lamb. The two will meet on Sunday at AT&T Stadium as the 49ers and Dallas Cowboys face off. Lamb ranks second in receptions among rookie receivers and third in receiving yards.
Does Aiyuk keep tabs on the other wideouts from his rookie class, like Lamb and Jefferson?
"Of course I follow them," Aiyuk told reporters. "Those are the rookie receivers that I'm going against. I'd be lying if I sat here and said I wasn't watching what they're doing. Just being the person I am, of course I'm looking at what they're doing, and I'm pretty sure they're doing the exact same.
"I know what those guys are going through. A lot of respect to those guys. It's not easy what we're doing, being a rookie in this league. So, I have a bunch of respect for those guys, and just wish them the best, and health, as well."
You can listen to the entire conversation with Cosell below.
On Wednesday, Chat Sports contributor Chase Senior reported that the Pittsburgh Steelers were "aggressively pursuing" San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. He further stated that the Steelers are confident they can finalize a deal for the star player.
REPORTS: The Pittsburgh Steelers are aggressively pursuing a Brandon Aiyuk trade and the Steelers would be "surprised" if they don't land Aiyuk. Of note: Pittsburgh has the 20th overall pick. The Niners could look at that as equal value for Aiyuk if they can't get a deal done.…
When asked about the possibility of wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk not being on the San Francisco 49ers roster on Friday morning, general manager John Lynch responded, "I wouldn't anticipate that."
Lynch assured reporters that signing Aiyuk to a long-term extension is a priority, stating, "And our wish is that he's here and a part of the Niners for the rest of his career. We're working through that."
While Lynch didn't elaborate on the conversations occurring behind closed doors, Michael Silver of the San Francisco Chronicle reports that a potential trade remains a
Ian Rapoport didn't offer much of an update on the ongoing contract negotiations between the San Francisco 49ers and their standout wide receiver, Brandon Aiyuk. However, the NFL insider emphasized one thing: The team is not entertaining trade discussions at this juncture.
Reacting to Aiyuk's decision to unfollow the 49ers on Instagram, Rapoport couldn't help but chuckle at the latest development. This practice has become commonplace among players who are unhappy with their contract situations. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel similarly took this action in 2022 before requesting to be traded just before the draft.
Things have yet to escalate that far with Aiyuk, but Rapoport sees his
According to Sports Illustrated contributor Noah Strackbein, who writes for "All Steelers" on the network, there's a level of confidence within the Pittsburgh Steelers organization that they can strike a deal for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk—and at a bargain rate.
"According to a team source, the Steelers and 49ers trade talks are real," Strackbein wrote. "While nothing is imminent, they 'would be surprised if it didn't happen.' But it all comes down to compensation, and Pittsburgh isn't willing to budge much on price."
While it seems unlikely that the 49ers would part ways with Aiyuk for anything less than a first-round draft
