Videos are auto-populated by an affiliate. This site has no control over the videos that appear above.
NFL legend Jerry Rice still follows the happenings of his old team, the San Francisco 49ers. The Hall of Fame wide receiver, the greatest to ever play the position, recently joined 95.7 The Game and shared his thoughts on the team's current wide receiver corp.
Deebo Samuel enjoyed a breakout season last year, one that will be tough to duplicate. However, Rice believes another wideout is primed for a big 2022 campaign.
"I think the guy that's really, really going to have a breakout year is Brandon Aiyuk," Rice said. "Because with all that single coverage, and all that attention going on George Kittle too, this guy, he's got to blossom this year. And if he does that, it's going to take some of the pressure off Deebo Samuel and also George Kittle."
Samuel and Aiyuk aren't the only 49ers wide receivers Rice is eager to watch this season. He is also excited about the team's third-round pick.
"Danny Gray, I think they call him the Gray Ghost, something like that," Rice said. "Man, he's making plays. I had a chance at the 49ers Foundation to stand up next to this guy, and he was looking down at me. So I was like, 'My God.'
"But the guy can run, and he's not afraid to go across the middle. So we have the weapons on offense."
On the other side of the ball, Rice believes the 49ers defense's success depends on one player reaching his potential.
"The key to this defense is going to be Javon Kinlaw. ... Man, this guy, I had a chance to stand up next to this guy at training camp, and he's an animal, man. He's an animal, the size of him and stuff like that. If he really develops and [can] be a factor, I think it's going to open the door for Nick Bosa and all those guys."
Kinlaw is coming off knee surgery but has looked like a force and a handful for opposing offensive linemen. The 49ers made Kinlaw the No. 14 overall draft pick in 2020, and his career so far has been underwhelming. However, that might be about to change.
San Francisco opens its regular season on Sunday, September 11, against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field.
Rapoport: 49ers send clear message to teams inquiring about Brandon Aiyuk
By David Bonilla
Apr 16
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
Rumor: Steelers believe they can acquire 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk at a bargain
By David Bonilla
Apr 17
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
Insider provides clarity on 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk trade rumors
By David Bonilla
Apr 18
A questionable rumor surfaced on Wednesday regarding the Pittsburgh Steelers' interest in San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Sports Illustrated contributor Noah Strackbein reported that the AFC team was seemingly confident they could pull off a trade for Aiyuk.
However, the credibility of this report comes into question due to the assertion that the Steelers believe they could acquire Aiyuk at a bargain price, possibly in exchange for a second-round draft pick and a late-round selection.
RELATED: Steelers believe they can acquire Aiyuk at a
Why one analyst is worried for Brock Purdy if 49ers trade Brandon Aiyuk
By David Bonilla
Apr 18
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy achieved a remarkable feat in 2023, setting a single-season franchise record with 4,280 passing yards. This accomplishment is noteworthy, considering the illustrious quarterbacks who have graced the organization's history.
A significant portion of those yards came from wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who amassed a career-high and team-leading 1,342 receiving yards. Most of his 75 catches originated from passes thrown by Purdy.
Amidst significant offseason chatter surrounding the 49ers' star receiver, including several unsubstantiated trade rumors, Aiyuk's future remains uncertain. Former NFL player James Jones, now an analyst, expressed concern for Purdy should Aiyuk's tenure in the Bay Area come to an end.
"I
