49ers general manager John Lynch told reporters fielded questions from reporters Monday about Trey Lance trade inquiries, offering a transparent look into the nature of the calls, which he called filled with “smoke.”
Lynch was a bit more obtuse when asked about any teams calling about the possibility of trading Brandon Aiyuk, whose name has been floating in trade rumors this offseason.
“I’m not gonna get into specifics on people,” Lynch said. “We love Brandon Aiyuk. Excited about Brandon being part of this team. I’ll just leave it at that.”
Many figure that Aiyuk could play his way out of San Francisco’s price range with another solid season in 2023. Lynch told reporters last week that the team expect to exercise Aiyuk’s fifth-year option for the 2024 season, which carries a $14.1 million price tag. That’s a big hike from his $3.9 million salary in 2023.
In 2024, fellow wide receiver Deebo Samuel will count $28.6 million against the cap. Does Lynch think there’s enough money to go around for the receivers in 2024?
“It’s a fair question,” Lynch said. “I understand the line of thinking – you can’t keep everyone. We’re trying to do something special this year. Brandon’s gonna be a big part of that – and beyond as well. Yes, you always have to think out a few years, but we’re really excited about Brandon. Think he took another big step this year and the best is yet to come.
“We want him being a part of it, but yeah, at some point you have to figure things out. I guess we’ll take that as it comes. As of right now and into the future, we’re really excited about Brandon Aiyuk and where he’s at as a pro. The work he’s done to develop as a pro and become one of our core players here.”
In other words, don’t be surprised if Aiyuk is moved before he plays out the fifth year of his rookie deal.
This offseason, the 49ers let right tackle Mike McGlinchey leave in free agency, as left tackle Trent Williams is set to count $27.2 million against the cap this season. The team felt compelled to trade defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the Indianapolis Colts in 2020 after shelling out a five-year extension to d-lineman Arik Armstead.
The team was banking that defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw – the No. 14 overall pick in 2020 – would produce more, but his troublesome knee was still a problem last season.
It wouldn’t be surprising to see the 49ers decline Kinlaw’s fifth-year option by Monday’s deadline. While Aiyuk led the team in targets (114), receptions (78) and receiving yards (1,015) last season with eight touchdowns, Kinlaw only appeared in six games. Lynch said the 49ers will announce the fifth-year option decisions for Aiyuk and Kinlaw after the draft, which runs from Thursday to Saturday.
One thing’s for sure – Nick Bosa is not on the trading block. The 49ers are expected to sign Bosa to a big extension this offseason as he enters the fifth and final year of his rookie deal.
“That hotline’s closed,” Lynch said of Bosa. “That never opened. We’re gonna focus on this draft. As I’ve said, (Bosa’s extension) a priority for this offseason. History says that we have a really good track record of doing that and making that come to fruition. I’m excited about working on that when the time comes.”
The franchise has signed players like Armstead, George Kittle, Fred Warner and Jimmy Garoppolo to market-setting five-year extensions in the past. Bosa is next in line to get the bag.
