Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Trades Discussed by NFL Fans After 49ers Draft Ricky Pearsall
April 26, 2024
The San Francisco 49ers added some offensive firepower in the draft by taking Florida wide receiver Ricky Pearsall with the No. 31 pick.
Last season, Pearsall had 965 receiving yards and four touchdowns and will bring plenty of athleticism to the Super Bowl runner-ups.
But by selecting Pearsall, the 49ers sparked plenty of conversations among fans about wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel's futures with the team. Aiyuk and Samuel have been speculated to be on the trade market, and San Francisco's pick just adds to that speculation.
Ian Rapoport @RapSheetThe <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/49ers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#49ers</a> at No. 31 select <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Florida?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Florida</a> WR Ricky Pearsall. Does this signal what the future holds for Brandon Aiyuk? Or do they still see him in their future?
Adam Schefter @AdamSchefterSome context on 49ers using their first-round pick on WR Ricky Pearsall:<br>🏈Brandon Aiyuk is in the last year of his deal.<br>🏈Jauan Jennings is in the last year of his deal.<br>🏈Deebo Samuel has two years remaining on his deal. <a href="https://t.co/TzbP2asO5o">https://t.co/TzbP2asO5o</a>
Rich Keltz @KeltzChroniclezThis is a Brock Purdy pick and I love it <br>This is how you show confidence trust and belief.<br>Deebo might not be here next year. <br>I believe at some point Purdy to Pearsall will be the main connection for years to come <a href="https://t.co/d4Z6QYEAJj">https://t.co/d4Z6QYEAJj</a>
The 49ers now have some security at wide receiver should they trade Aiyuk or Samuel, and it will be interesting to see what San Francisco's next move is.
Shortly after the 49ers added Pearsall, it was reported that the team is more likely to trade Samuel than Aiyuk, but with Aiyuk potentially frustrated with his contract, he could want out of San Francisco.
The two receivers have been outstanding for the 49ers. Last season, Aiyuk had 1,342 receiving yards and seven touchdowns while Samuel had 892 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. If a trade is coming, San Francisco could likely get a lofty haul for either.
The timing of Pearsall's arrival will certainly make for an interesting start to his NFL career. He'll be competing for a spot as a starter while also dealing with outside conversations surrounding Aiyuk and Samuel. It might be tricky, but it could be the perfect opportunity for him to step up and have a strong start in his rookie season.
