49ers' GM John Lynch provides update on Brandon Aiyuk's recovery

“The relationship is good,” Lynch said on ESPN’s "The Pat McAfee Show." “Brandon has been here. He had a tough injury. Everyone saw that play against Kansas City [Chiefs]. It was crushing for us because Brandon is such a big part of who we are. Brandon is doing a tremendous job coming back. These guys that are incredibly skilled athletes tend to heal a lot faster. It’s incredible how well he’s healing. He’s putting in the work, and we’re proud of Brandon."

Lynch later added, “We’re looking forward to him being a part of this team moving forward. We made a big investment in him. We’re proud to have him part of our franchise and looking for big things from him."

Lynch continued by telling McAfee the team is going to take their time with Aiyuk’s rehab before he re-joins the offense on the practice field.

“We’re going to let him get right before we get him back on the field, but he’s an important part of this team.”

Reflecting on last offseason’s contract dispute, Lynch used the opportunity as a learning lesson.

"Looking back on [the contract negotiation], I think every situation that you go through in life and football is a learning opportunity. I look at things like, ‘What could we have done differently to have made that a little more seamless.’"

The 49ers took their lumps last season, finishing 6-11 and last place in the NFC West. The outcome generated a course correction, leading to multiple coaching staff changes and the rebuilding of their defense. Yet, the biggest lesson San Francisco may have learned last year is to be proactive during contract negotiations.

Before the beginning of OTAs, the 49ers inked franchise quarterback Brock Purdy, All-Pro tight end George Kittle, and All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner to brand new contracts, setting the team up for a drama-free 2025 campaign.