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 possibility.
"Based on what I'm hearing from knowledgeable sources inside the building, and from high-ranking personnel executives and coaches around the league, don't rule out a deal that would send Brock Purdy's favorite target to another team," Silver wrote in a recent column.
The 49ers may be focused on retaining Aiyuk, but Lynch acknowledged that other teams have inquired about the receiver, and historically, the 49ers are always willing to listen to offers.
Silver notes that he spoke to another team's general manager, who believes a potential Aiyuk trade remains "very much in play" due to the financial gap in the negotiations. Aiyuk's camp reportedly seeks an average salary over $25 million and the 49ers have been unwilling to meet that price.
Silver added that the 49ers contacted at least one team's general manager to gauge interest in Aiyuk. However, with a deep wide receiver draft class, that general manager opted to refrain from pursuing further conversations.
"To this point, the 49ers have asked for a 2024 first-round pick," Silver wrote. "'They want too much,' said the executive, whose team is in the market for a receiver. However, another team's GM said he believes the 49ers might ultimately accept a second-round selection."
This assumes the pick is packaged with another selection.
Silver adds that the 49ers have assured wide receiver Deebo Samuel he won't be traded during or after the draft. Significant trade rumors surrounded the versatile player, with many speculating that San Francisco can't afford top-dollar contracts for two wide receivers.