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One thing is clear: Ian Rapoport expects Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel to be on the San Francisco 49ers roster when the team takes the field in Week 1 of the 2024 season. At this point, most probably feel that way. The fact that both stayed with the team throughout the draft clearly signals that general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan intend to retain their two talented receivers—at least for one more season.
"Week 1 of 2024, it looks like they both will be [on the roster]," Rapoport told guest host Tom Pelissero on "The Rich Eisen Show."
However, nothing in the NFL is ever certain.
"Now, look, crazy things can happen," Rapoport continued. "Someone loses a star receiver, they decide to give the 49ers something of value for this year that they need. Theoretically, it's possible that [one] could get traded."
Of course, timing is crucial. With the 2024 NFL Draft in the rearview mirror, finding an immediate-impact replacement for either player becomes more challenging, even if a trade makes long-term sense.
"It's like, you can't replace him now," Rapoport commented. "So, if the 49ers wanted to trade Deebo Samuel, or if the Bengals wanted to trade Tee Higgins, you can do it, you can get really good value, it just won't help you right now. ... The 49ers are a team that could win the Super Bowl. So, what makes sense for them to move on from someone really good if it hurts your chances to win a Super Bowl this year?
"So, I think, as it seems, I would say both these guys are probably coming back, and the more calls I made ... the more people kept going, 'Well, yeah, but why would they trade him?' And I'm like, 'Well, that's a good point.'"
For now, the 49ers are once again loaded with talent and poised to make another championship run. Hopefully, they will reach their ultimate goal this time and secure the Super Bowl victory.
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Ian Rapoport on how the 49ers view their Brandon Aiyuk situation
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In the end, Aiyuk remained on the 49ers' roster once the draft concluded, indicating a likelihood of him staying with the team at least through the upcoming season. San Francisco remains committed to negotiating a long-term deal for the fifth-year wideout.
Last week, Ian Rapoport joined NFL Network and was asked for an update on the Aiyuk situation. The
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Rumors circulated before and during the 2024 NFL Draft about the possibility of the San Francisco 49ers losing one of their top two wide receivers—Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel. Such a scenario could have significantly impacted the team's success in the upcoming season and posed a potential blow for quarterback Brock Purdy, who has thrived alongside the dynamic duo on the field.
However, none of these speculations came to fruition. Both Aiyuk and Samuel remain on the roster, at least for another season, though their future beyond that remains uncertain.
Aiyuk is seeking a contract extension that would position him among the highest-paid wide receivers in the NFL. At the same time, Samuel already commands a significant salary following a deal rework in 2022.
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