Ian Rapoport on how the 49ers view their Brandon Aiyuk situation

To say there was a lot of speculation surrounding San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk heading into the 2024 NFL Draft would be an understatement. Many believed a trade involving the team's leading receiver from last season might be in the works.

In the end, Aiyuk remained on the 49ers' roster once the draft concluded, indicating a likelihood of him staying with the team at least through the upcoming season. San Francisco remains committed to negotiating a long-term deal for the fifth-year wideout.

Last week, Ian Rapoport joined NFL Network and was asked for an update on the Aiyuk situation. The insider largely reiterated what was already known.

"Yeah, the [Ricky] Pearsall pick [in the draft] really made everyone scratch their heads and go, 'Maybe they really are trading Brandon Aiyuk,'" Rapoport said. "It doesn't seem like that is in the cards, at least right now. My understanding on the situation, really something that has been consistent since the draft, is that the 49ers are moving forward with Brandon Aiyuk on their roster.

"Now, how much will he make next year? That's really the big question. They have been in contract negotiations, trying to get him to a long-term deal, trying to get to a point where he will accept their offer. And the fact that the receiver market for the really, really good receivers has been more defined over the last month or so helps."

Rapoport refers to the new deals for Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith and Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. Smith signed a three-year, $75 million extension while St. Brown inked a four-year, $120 million extension.

"You figure that Brandon Aiyuk will be somewhere in there," Rapoport continued. "Exactly where remains to be seen. But again, my understanding is the focus is on bringing him back next season. They view him as a key, key part of their offense."

The 49ers reportedly sought a first-round pick for Aiyuk. However, according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic, the best offers the team received were a second-round pick and another that involved exchanging first-round picks.

"The team took several phone calls for Aiyuk in the run-up to the draft, with a few more coming on Thursday," Barrows noted. "None, however, came close to the mid-first-round selection the 49ers needed to seriously consider moving their top wideout."