Brock Purdy gives Brandon Aiyuk message of support as speculation over 49ers future continues
The future of San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk remains up in the air. As speculation has swirled around the Aiyuk saga, with the 49ers attempting to sign him to a long-term extension amid a backdrop of rumor and speculation about a potential trade, quarterback Brock Purdy has kept in touch with his leading […]
The future of San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk remains up in the air.
As speculation has swirled around the Aiyuk saga, with the 49ers attempting to sign him to a long-term extension amid a backdrop of rumor and speculation about a potential trade, quarterback Brock Purdy has kept in touch with his leading receiver.
His message has been one of support, regardless of whether Aiyuk stays with the 49ers or is dealt elsewhere.
“We’ve talked. I just told him I’ll always have his back and support him in whatever he does," Purdy told Cam Inman of The Bay Area News Group.
"I want the best for him. It’s a business thing, so for me to say anything about that, that’s out of my pay grade. He and I talk through things and I hear him out.
"At the end of the day, what he’s done for me, giving me an opportunity to come in and throw him the ball, I’ll always be thankful for that."
Purdy and Aiyuk have enjoyed an exceptional rapport since the final pick in 2022 NFL Draft was catapulted into the starting lineup in Week 13 of his rookie year after injuries to Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo.
In his first full season as the Niners' starting quarterback, Purdy averaged 0.793 Expected Points Added per play when targeting Aiyuk. Those plays had a success rate of 69.1%, per nflindex.com.
For context, Purdy led all NFL quarterbacks in 2023 with an EPA per play of 0.338 and a success rate of 56.4%.
Aiyuk produced a second successive 1,000-yard season, earning second-team All-Pro honors after racking up 1,342 yards receiving and seven touchdowns.
San Francisco general manager John Lynch has insisted the Niners have had no talks about a potential Aiyuk trade. On Sunday the wideout's agent flatly denied social media speculation that Aiyuk had requested a trade.
The 49ers are understandably determined to hang on to their 2020 first-round pick and maintain the extremely prolific connection he has with Purdy. San Francisco's quarterback is saying all the right things but, for Purdy's football and contractual ambitions, the best outcome is one that sees Aiyuk ink a deal that keeps him with the Niners for many years to come.
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