Shanahan Talks Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk Trade Rumors After 49ers Draft Pearsall

Amid rumors that they will trade one of their star wide receivers, the San Francisco 49ers drafted wide receiver Ricky Pearsall in the first round of the NFL draft on Thursday.

When asked about potential trades for Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel after the pick, head coach Kyle Shanahan said the 49ers "didn't close the door on anything."

The good news is Aiyuk is embracing the pick even though it might have an impact on his future. According to ESPN's Nick Wagoner, Aiyuk texted general manager John Lynch and Shanahan to commend them for selecting Pearsall.

"Fire pick, can't lie," the text read.

The Pearsall pick could still have an impact on the receiver room, with San Francisco Chronicle's Michael Silver reporting the 49ers "are now more likely to deal Deebo Samuel than they are Brandon Aiyuk."

It wasn't clear whether San Francisco would trade either of the star receivers, but after their draft selection on Thursday, it seems the 49ers are leaning in that direction.

The two receivers accounted for much of San Francisco's offensive production last year. Aiyuk had 1,342 receiving yards and seven touchdowns while Samuel had 892 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.

Aiyuk is currently on a three-year, $12.5 million deal and is set to play on a fifth-year option in 2024. While he would likely get rewarded with a big contract next offseason, Aiyuk is reportedly seeking a bigger deal before the start of the season. According to Silver, he is seeking a contract with an annual average "well over" $25 million. If he isn't awarded that, it could lead to a holdout or a trade request.

Trading Samuel this season could be a financial move for San Francisco. If he is traded this year, it would give the 49ers a $21.7 million dead cap hit but would save them money down the line. It would be hard to replace Samuel's production, but with some added cap space they could sign a receiver to try to do so.

With Day 2 of the draft looming, a Samuel or Aiyuk trade could be coming soon. It's not clear whether San Francisco will try to leverage either player into picks or trade for an established talent, but it does seem like a trade is on the way.

In the meantime, the 49ers will look to develop their new wide receiver so he is ready to take on a big role if the team parts ways with one of their star talents.