The San Francisco 49ers' selection of Florida wide receiver Ricky Pearsall will only add to speculation that they are set to trade one of Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel.

Despite that, Aiyuk was quick to praise the 49ers for their decision with the 31st overall pick in the first round.

Aiyuk is a former teammate of Pearsall, the pair having played together at Arizona State before Aiyuk was drafted in the first round by the Niners in 2020. Pearsall transferred to Florida after the 2021 season.

Asked if they got any input from Aiyuk before selecting Pearsall, general manager John Lynch revealed at the 49ers' post-round one press conference that the 49ers' leading receiver had already texted him and head coach Kyle Shanahan to applaud the pick.

"Brandon just texted, on the way in," said Lynch. "Fire pick, can't lie."

Aiyuk's eagerness to send his succinct appraisal to the man leading the 49ers' front office during a difficult contract negotiation is reflective of the strong relationship he has with both Lynch and Shanahan.

It might be a little eyebrow-raising given many will view it as a selection that increases the odds of Aiyuk or Samuel playing elsewhere from 2024 onwards.

While Lynch and Shanahan insisted they will never "shut the door" on a potential trade, they each made an effort to indicate that a trade is unlikely.

"I know that we're continuing to have positive talks with BA and we are really efforting to get something done with him," added Lynch. 

"We're excited about continuing down that path and Brandon being a part of this team. Deebo is a part of this team and a big part of this team. We feel great about that group and we feel like we just made it better with another really good addition to it."

49ers fuel trade talk they’ve tried to shut down by picking Ricky Pearsall in first round of 2024 NFL Draft

It’s only going to increase.