The San Francisco 49ers selected Florida’s WR Ricky Pearsall as the 31st overall pick on Thursday Night’s NFL draft. This came as a shock as this could mean that the 49ers are looking to trade one of their star WRs Deebo Samuels or Brandon Aiyuk.
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However, Aiyuk, who is in the middle of contract negotiations with the team, has approved of the 49er’s latest move of bringing Pearsall to the team, even texting HC Kyle Shanahan his approval.
According to NFL insider Adam Schefter, Brandon Aiyuk sent a text message to San Francisco’s general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan stating, “Fire pick, can’t lie.” Aiyuk and Pearsall were former teammates who played together for Arizona State in 2019, following which Aiyuk declared for the NFL draft.
Aiyuk’s contract has just one year remaining following which he will become a free agent in 2025. However, the 49ers still haven’t offered him a contract extension or a trade which makes it a bit complicated for Aiyuk.
49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk texted GM John Lynch and HC Kyle Shanahan moments after they selected his former Arizona State teammate Ricky Pearsall with their first-round pick Thursday night. The message, per Shanahan: “Fire Pick, can’t lie.”
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 26, 2024
Pearsall, who played five seasons for the Gators and performed exceptionally well in the 2023 season catching 65 receptions for 965 receiving yards and 4 receiving touchdowns. Moreover, he also rushed for 62 yards and scored two rushing touchdowns.
NFL Fans Weigh in On Brandon Aiyuk’s Text
While Pearsall’s potential is promising, Brandon Aiyuk remains crucial, having contributed to the Niners’ Super Bowl run in 2023. However, soon after Adam Schefter released the news, NFL fans sided with different theories. Some stated that his message to the head coach could be sarcastic while some said it could be well-meaning.
A fan stated,
Had to be some pettiness in that lol
— Chaos Chris (@ChaosChrisPHL) April 26, 2024
Another one wrote,
He know he getting traded and paid so he good
— Anthony Russo (@Anthony_Russo97) April 26, 2024
A social media user commented,
This is the equivalent of you posting a good time out with the bros and some women happen to be in the area and your girl texting you “that’s cute”
— playboyx (@playbooyx) April 26, 2024
A different one expressed,
His message expressing approval of the pick likely reflects his excitement about reuniting with a familiar face on the team.
— Muntaha jelani 2.0 (@Muntaha2013) April 26, 2024
Someone else mentioned,
I don’t Understand why people just assume this pick means Aiyuk or Deebo are gone THIS offseason. Deebo has two years remaining + a big dead cap hit still. And Aiyuk can play on his 5th year + Franchise tag (2 yrs team control). I think if Ricky pans out they will know NEXT…
— Niner Gang (@LacEMupKicks_) April 26, 2024
Despite no contract extension yet, Aiyuk’s role remains significant for the upcoming season. His recent strong performances in the league have already ensured he will earn well if signed by the San Francisco 49ers or any other team. Thus, concerns about his cryptic message to the head coach are unwarranted as Aiyuk likely appreciates the team’s efforts to strengthen the offense.
