Why Aiyuk contract extension is vital for 49ers QB Purdy

ORLANDO, Fla. — The 49ers are unable to provide quarterback Brock Purdy with everything he might want until after the 2024 season. But they can make his life a lot more comfortable this offseason - in a way that does not directly impact his bank account. Purdy's top target, Brandon Aiyuk, is in line this offseason to become one of the top-paid wide receivers in the NFL. Aiyuk's presence might be vital toward Purdy maintaining a high level of production with San Francisco. "It's hard to be a successful quarterback if you don't have real good receivers," 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said Tuesday at the NFL Annual Meeting. "So it starts there with Brandon, and I think that's real big for Brock and his future to make sure we have a good group for him going forward." Aiyuk led San Francisco last season with 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns. Purdy set the franchise record with 4,280 passing yards in 16 games. Aiyuk is scheduled to earn $14.1 million this season on the fifth-year option after coming to the 49ers as a first-round pick (No. 25 overall) in the 2020 NFL Draft. General manager John Lynch said on Monday that there has been regular communication with Aiyuk's...