49ers GM John Lynch addresses Brandon Aiyuk trade rumors, improvement

Sergio Estrada-usa Today Sports

This week, Dianna Russini reported from Athletic that the NFL team has “pierced around” and examined about the San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. The team signed Aiyuk for a contract extension before last season, but he suffered season-ending ACL and MCL damage in October.

Related Teams have asked about trading for 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk

General Manager John Lynch approached the trade rumors while talking to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on Wednesday.

“Yes, it typically happens to really good players,” Lynch said. “I remember, I think two years ago having similar conversations. You get calls and you always listen to calls.”

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Lynch changed the subject and mentioned that the 49s have been among the league’s highest consumers in recent years. This can affect wage racks and lead to tough financial decisions. However, this season is a clear emphasis on becoming younger.

“At some point, reset slightly or at least calibrate,” Lynch continued. “You can’t just keep pressing the pedal. And I think there’s something good that can get out of it. We have to get younger. I think we’re the oldest team in football and try to run on the deal last year and I think it’s good to constantly get younger.

“Our draft class last year was a good step towards it. We have four choices in the top 100. If Comp -Selection happens as we see it – it’s always a calculation – we have 10 choices in general and we’re happy to add more young people to a big core of players that we already have.”

Aiyuk Recovery Update

In a more intimate conversation with the Bay Area journalists, Lynch gave an update on Aiyuk’s improvement.

“He is well“Said Lynch.” I know and came up here in a few weeks … There is a kind of big marker coming up. But I know he is doing really well, and our teachers who have been with him say he is doing very well.

“He puts the work in. That’s what you have to do. And as I’ve always said, the right top-end athletes tend to heal at a small faster speed and I think it’s going on with Brandon too.”

Lynch also mentioned that a significant test is approaching, which will give the 49s a clearer understanding of Aiyuk’s progress in recovering from his injury.