Wideout Brandon Aiyuk’s 2024 season was a rollercoaster ride.
He began the offseason in trade discussions amid the desire for a contract extension, then ultimately signed a new deal with the San Francisco 49ers. However, Aiyuk had a rough season that was cut short due to a knee injury. The rough season and huge contract have led some to question his role with the team in 2025.
49ers GM John Lynch Speaks on Aiyuk’s Role with the Team
Aiyuk has developed into one of the league’s most dynamic wide receivers, showcasing his ability to deliver in crucial moments for the 49ers. As he hopes to expand his role on the roster next season, the front office has taken notice of his impact on the squad.
“Brandon’s such a big part of who we are,” said 49ers general manager John Lynch on a recent episode of ‘The Pat McAfee Show.’
“Brandon Aiyuk is such a big part of who we are..
We’ve had some great conversations and he’s doing a tremendous job coming back from that injury..
We’re proud of him and he’s an important part of this team” ~ @JohnLynch49ers #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/fdaaVNsy69
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 12, 2025
“Brandon’s doing a tremendous job coming back … it’s kind of incredible how well he’s healing,” Lynch added. “He’s putting in the work. We’re proud of Brandon, and we’re looking forward to him being a part of this team.”
Aiyuk played in only seven games in 2024 before tearing his ACL and MCL. In those seven games, he caught only 25 of his 47 targets for 374 yards and no touchdowns. It’s unclear if he was a bit rusty due to missing time in training camp or if it was just a down year.
However, he is just one year removed from a career year in 2023, when he averaged 17.9 yards per reception. That year, he caught 75 of 105 passes for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns.
It’s uncertain when Aiyuk will be ready to return from his knee injury. Until then, starting quarterback Brock Purdy will need to rely on Ricky Pearsall, Jauan Jennings, and George Kittle as the top pass catchers and potentially lean on a healthy Christian McCaffrey in the running game.
Purdy signed a five-year, $265-million extension with the 49ers last month. There are high expectations for him this year, and having Aiyuk will make his life easier.
San Francisco’s offense was ninth-ranked in PFSN’s Offense+ metric in 2024, with a score of 80.5 (B-), despite injuries to key players such as Aiyuk, McCaffrey, and wideout Deebo Samuel. However, despite ranking in the top 10 offensively, the 49ers missed the postseason for the first time since 2020, finishing in fourth place in the NFC West with a 6-11 record.
With key pieces returning from injury and the easiest 2025 schedule in the NFL, the 49ers will be looking to prove that 2024 was merely a blip on the radar rather than the beginning of the end of an era. Aiyuk’s injury status will be worth monitoring as the season approaches. His availability could be an X-factor for the team as they look to improve on last year’s disappointing finish.