Photo courtesy of the San Francisco 49ers
SI lists 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk among potential first-time Pro Bowl selections in 2021
Jun 23, 2021 at 7:41 AM
•
Videos are auto-populated by an affiliate. This site has no control over the videos that appear above.
Conor Orr of Sports Illustrated published his second annual listing of
10 NFL players who could earn their first Pro Bowl selection in 2021. San Francisco 49ers wide receiver
Brandon Aiyuk made the exclusive list, proving that expectations are high for the second-year player.
Aiyuk caught 60 passes for 748 receding yards with five receiving touchdowns and two rushing scores. Despite only appearing in 12 games, his receiving-yard total ranked No. 3 in franchise history among rookies, behind only Jerry Rice (927 in 1985) and
Deebo Samuel (802 in 2019).
Aiyuk's receptions total ranks second among 49ers rookies to Earl Cooper's mark of 83 in 1980. In addition, the young receiver's five scores are tied for second in franchise history among rookies (Dave Parks had eight in 1964).
Aiyuk may also benefit from the high expectations for San Francisco this season. The team limped through an injury-plagued campaign in 2020, finishing with just six wins. However, the 49ers aren't that far removed from their Super Bowl LIV appearance, and much of that championship-caliber roster remains intact. Therefore, a strong playoff push could score points for Aiyuk both on the field and when it comes to Pro Bowl voting.
"Bet against the No. 1 receiver in Kyle Shanahan's offense at your own risk," wrote Orr. "While Deebo Samuel led the league in average separation last year, Aiyuk was still pacing right behind him, despite being asked to assume some more challenging roles within the offense that sometimes doesn't yield the same matchup opportunities. Still, this is a receiver drafted for a role that has been wonderfully productive over time for those who play it well."
Jimmy Garoppolo is slated to be the 49ers' starting quarterback when the team visits the Detroit Lions during Week 1. But, will that last the whole season? As a starting quarterback, Garoppolo has escaped September injury-free just once over his career. He missed 10 games last season.
San Francisco traded up for Trey Lance, who, for now, will sit and learn while Garoppolo runs the offense. Orr believes that Lance could create more opportunities for a receiver like Aiyuk, though.
"In addition, the 49ers could be upgrading at quarterback in the near future," Orr added. "At some point, the scheme will change and having a quarterback who adds his hand in the running game will also force teams to cover the 49ers differently. This could also lead to a higher ceiling for Aiyuk."
Facebook Comments
More San Francisco 49ers News
Silver: New 49ers intel reveals potential Brandon Aiyuk trade still in play
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
Rapoport: 49ers send clear message to teams inquiring about Brandon Aiyuk
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
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
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
