The San Francisco 49ers took University of Florida wide receiver Ricky Pearsall in the first round of the NFL Draft last week, creating further speculation that they could potentially trade Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel.
Aiyuk trade chatter has been stirring for the last month or so, and prior to the draft, there were reports that teams were calling the 49ers to inquire about Samuel’s availability.
The fact that San Francisco opted to use its top draft choice on a receiver only added fuel to the fire.
Could the Niners be preparing to part ways with Aiyuk or Samuel?
Former 49ers cornerback and current NFL analyst Richard Sherman isn’t buying it.
During the most recent episode of his podcast, Sherman said that neither Aiyuk nor Samuel will view Pearsall as any sort of threat and that, if anything, Pearsall will actually complement the two pass-catchers very well as a slot receiver.
He also adds that he thinks Aiyuk is about get his new contract from San Francisco.
Aiyuk is entering the final year of his deal, and due to financial constraints, it may be difficult for the Niners to keep him long term.
The 26-year-old has also made it very clear that he isn’t willing to take a hometown discount, further complicating the matter for the 49ers.
Some have even suggested that San Francisco should trade Samuel—who is under contract through 2025—to free up some money to retain Aiyuk.
But evidently, Sherman does not think it will end up being an issue. He spoke as if both Aiyuk and Samuel will be with the Niners in 2024, and he thinks Pearsall will merely serve as another weapon for Brock Purdy.
Pearsall is coming off of a 2023 campaign in which he hauled in 65 receptions for 965 yards and four touchdowns. He began his collegiate career at Arizona State and spent three seasons there before transferring to Florida in 2022.
We’ll see how Pearsall supplements Brandon Aiyuk and Co. heading into next season.
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