ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky has provided some ammunition for Brandon Aiyuk's agent in the ongoing contract negotiations with the San Francisco 49ers. Orlovsky not only believes the reigning NFC champions would take a step back without Aiyuk, but he also projects that the 49ers wouldn't even win their division without the disgruntled wideout.
"As of right now, the San Francisco 49ers are the favorite to win their division and their conference. Rightfully so," Orlovsky stated this week on "NFL Live" (h/t Taylor Wirth of NBC Sports Bay Area). "If Brandon Aiyuk is not a San Francisco 49er, I would not take them to win their division. I would take the Los Angeles Rams. I think he's that important to this offense."
Aiyuk is slated to earn $14.124 million on a team-exercised fifth-year option in 2024. Naturally, he prefers a long-term deal that makes him one of the NFL's highest-paid receivers. The market has exploded this offseason, with four receivers now set to earn $30 million or more annually.
Aiyuk has proved himself to be the 49ers' top receiver, leading the team in receiving yards over the last two seasons. He has surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in back-to-back years and looks to finally cash in on his efforts.
"One, this is an offense that demands a very versatile number one wide receiver that you can move around in a bunch of different ways in the formations," Orlovsky continued. "Two, you got to be able to block on the perimeter. You got to be willing and capable to block on the perimeter consistently. Brandon Aiyuk is in the conversation for the best in the NFL to do that.
"Number three, if Brandon Aiyuk is not on the team, who are they throwing the football to downfield to the wide receiver spot? They don't have that person. Now, Ricky Pearsall might develop into that. That's a big ask. Deebo Samuel is not necessarily that person."
ESPN flashed three statistics onscreen during the segment. Including the playoffs, Aiyuk earned 17.8 yards per reception, 12.2 yards per target, and converted 83 percent of his catches for first downs last season. All three led the NFL.
Orlovsky concluded, "So he not only does catching the ball downfield, but he's a reliable pass-catching wide receiver. You're going to take that off a Super Bowl contender?"