"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?"
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers Playoff Outlook: NFC Contenders Face Tough Stretch as Season Winds Down
The late-afternoon games on Sunday featured some intense matchups that played a significant role in shaping the NFC playoff picture. The 49ers' matchup against Tennessee was perhaps the least intriguing game, as the home team was expected to win and did so in a fairly... -
Seahawks beat Rams in thriller: What the NFC West shift means for the 49ers
The Seattle Seahawks edged the Los Angeles Rams, 38-37, in a dramatic overtime finish on Thursday night at Lumen Field, seizing control of the NFC West race. The result also represented a best-case scenario for the San Francisco 49ers, who now have a clearer path to the... -
49ers' Kyle Shanahan confirms Brandon Aiyuk's absence, addresses uncertain future
Over the weekend, the San Francisco 49ers announced they placed wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk on the reserve/left squad list, officially ending his season—and potentially his future with the team. NFL insider Matt Maiocco reported that the 49ers have been unable to keep tabs on... -
Kyle Shanahan: 49ers' Brandon Aiyuk has been 'extremely distant' since injury
Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk may have played his final snap for the San Francisco 49ers. The team recently placed him on the reserve/left squad list after being unable to maintain contact with the wideout. This move officially ended his chances of returning this season from the...