Aiyuk and Purdy haven't played together for very long, with Purdy's first start coming during the 2022 season. The receiver has caught passes from others during his time with the 49ers and was recently asked to reflect on a couple of his previous quarterbacks, who are no longer with the team.
When questioned about his preference between Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo, the wide receiver didn't hesitate, expressing his favoritism towards Lance.
"It's really an easy question, bro," Aiyuk stated on Instagram Live, per Madison Williams of Sports Illustrated. "I'll go Trey Lance."
This response isn't surprising, given Aiyuk and Lance's close relationship during their time with the 49ers. They trained together during previous offseasons and strengthened their bond by spending time together off the field.
In 2022, Aiyuk offered a glimpse into their offseasons together, saying, "This second year, we got to stay in the house together with a couple of other people and just hang out by the fire, talk, really just get to know who he is, and him getting to know who I am outside of playing football because that's really the only time we get to see each other. So being in there a couple of weeks, and working hard, putting in hours, grinding together, and then hanging out, just chilling afterward. It's cool. It's a great thing."
While Aiyuk didn't discuss his current relationships with either quarterback, it's clear that the connection he formed with Lance remains significant to him.
With Purdy established as the starter and a crowded quarterback room heading into the 2023 season, the 49ers traded Lance to the Dallas Cowboys.
Garoppolo departed the 49ers last year in free agency, securing a three-year deal with the Las Vegas Raiders. However, his tenure there hit a snag as he faces a two-game suspension for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances. The Raiders are expected to release the veteran quarterback.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers and Brandon Aiyuk: The drama has become repetitive
When he became the starter during his rookie year, quarterback Brock Purdy was consistently referred to by his draft-day moniker, "Mr. Irrelevant." As the Niners won and continued to win while he was the starter, reporters used the same phrase over and over again—that Purdy... -
George Kittle praises 49ers' handling of Brandon Aiyuk situation
San Francisco 49ers veterans aren't required to report to training camp until Saturday, but tight end George Kittle arrived early to begin preparing for the 2026 season. Players recovering from injury (Kittle is coming off a torn Achilles) typically arrive early. The biggest... -
Brandon Aiyuk throws shade at Kyle Shanahan, 49ers
Disgruntled wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk continues to take shots at the San Francisco 49ers on social media. This time, Aiyuk sarcastically suggested the 49ers want him back—a scenario that, at this point, seems highly unlikely. In the process, he also appeared to take a... -
49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk escalates feud, accuses NFLPA of smear campaign
Brandon Aiyuk's ongoing public battle has expanded beyond the San Francisco 49ers. After spending weeks criticizing the organization, his former agent, and the circumstances surrounding his contract, the veteran wide receiver turned his attention Saturday to the NFL Players...