Aiyuk called Pearsall’s addition to the 49ers team a ‘fire pick.’

Brandon Aiyuk called Lynch drafting Florida’s Ricky Pearsall a fire pick (Image via IMAGO)

The San Francisco 49ers were about to agree to a new deal with Brandon Aiyuk, and the rumor was that general manager John Lynch may trade either him or Deebo Samuel depending on the draft.

Lynch ended up taking Florida WR Ricky Pearsall with the 31st overall pick, and both Pro Bowlers are still part of the Bay Area franchise.

he Athletic’s Matt Barrows reported that the 49ers were looking for a mid-first-round pick for Aiyuk. This would appear to take the trade of the 26-year-old off the table. Later, they can continue the summer-long negotiations with the receiver.

Aiyuk is set to hit a salary cap of $15 million in 2024, and the 49ers haven’t picked up his fifth-year option. However, a new deal could easily lower the cap to under $14 million. 

The 49ers selected Ricky Pearsall, keeping the future of the team in mind, which apparently Brandon Aiyuk is a fan of. After the draft’s first day concluded, Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke with the media about the draft picks.

Lynch revealed that Aiyuk had messaged him shortly after they selected Pearsall. 

Brandon just texted. Yeah! Fire pick. Can't lie.

Brandon Aiyuk said

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by NFL on ESPN (@espnnfl)

Does drafting Ricky Pearsall help the 49ers keep Brandon Aiyuk?

There’s definitely a connection between the two players. Aiyuk is a graduate of the Arizona State program, and before playing for the Gators, Pearsall was part of the Sun Devils from 2019 to 2021. Yet that’ perhaps isn’t the only silver line that could keep Aiyuk in the San Francisco 49ers.

First and foremost, Lynch needs to extend Aiyuk’s contract, which will be tough. Not only are the 49ers over the cap, but on Thursday, just before the draft, the Philadelphia Eagles made AJ Brown the highest-paid receiver in the NFL. Brown signed a 3-year $96 million deal that will earn him $32 million a year.

This new development will play a massive part in the negotiations. After dropping his best numbers in a season with 1342 yards and 7 touchdowns from 79 catches, Aiyuk will demand a paycheck in the region of $30 million. 

Adding Pearsall can ease the pressure in the coming season. Although he won’t be starting over either Deebo or Aiyuk, there are lots of other areas where Shanahan can use him during a game. With 3 and 4th receivers to punt and kick return, Pearsall can easily be incorporated into the team.

With Pearsall on the team, the 49ers increased their depth for a short while, at the very least. Being the bridge between the past and the future was Lynch’s priority, and this move may be the answer.