It looks like the San Francisco 49ers are making some progress in retaining All-Pro wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.
The two sides are near a deal according to multiple reports, with just one key factor holding up a long-term contract for Aiyuk in San Francisco. Given how this rollercoaster has gone, it’s impossible to rule out the negotiations bleeding into Week 1 of the regular season.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan was on KNBR Wednesday and addressed how the team would handle the WR corps if Aiyuk doesn’t suit up for the season opener. He indicated Jauan Jennings was the most likely option to be the No. 2 receiver alongside WR Deebo Samuel. The rest of his answer underscored why the team needs to make sure Aiyuk is in uniform Week 1.
“Chris Conley’s had a hell of a camp,” Shanahan said. “He came on strong for us last year. Did a hell of a job for last year and made a number of plays going into the playoffs, in the playoffs and in the Super Bowl. He’s been on a lot of teams, too, where he’s done it for awhile. Then we’ve got these rookies who are all pushing, that I know will be there eventually, but they’re a little behind the eight ball with their injuries. But they’re guys we believe in, guys who are made of the right stuff.”
He also mentioned players like Ronnie Bell and Danny Gray. Both players are battling for a job on the back end of the roster. He also mentioned other veterans the 49ers have brought in.
Let’s put this in a little different perspective. This is what the receiving corps looks like Week 1 without Aiyuk:
Deebo Samuel
Jauan Jennings
Chris Conley
Ricky Pearsall
Jacob Cowing
Ronnie Bell/Danny Gray/Robbie Chosen
Samuel is an elite playmaker and a bonafide star.
Jennings has been great as a No. 3, and he’s been able to step up as a No. 2 at times in his career.
Conley has been good with the 49ers. Relying on him to be WR3 is probably asking too much.
Pearsall won’t play at all in the preseason and missed a ton of practice time with hamstring and shoulder injuries. Cowing shined in his preseason debut, but he’s also still getting in the swing of the offense after missing a prolonged period with a hamstring injury.
That final trio is more likely to contribute on special teams than in the passing game. Gray didn’t play at all last year. Chosen and Bell combined for 10 catches in 26 games.
Shanahan is a good enough offensive coach with enough weapons to potentially cobble together enough to win any game. However, that receiving corps would make life much easier for what figures to be a terrific New York Jets defense. Just because the 49ers might be able to make it work doesn’t mean they should.
Their receiving corps, and their chances to win Week 1, look much better when it’s Aiyuk and Samuel atop the depth chart. The 49ers need to do everything they can to push the deal with Aiyuk over the finish line in time for the season opener on Monday Night Football.