The San Francisco 49ers are apparently ‘prepared’ to lose their star player in 2025.
The San Francisco 49ers emerged from the 2024 offseason with their nucleus intact, despite NFL rumors suggesting that any of Deebo Samuel, Kyle Juszczyk, or Brandon Aiyuk could play elsewhere following season. However, it appears like the 49ers’ front staff understands that will not be the case in 2025.
Juszczyk, the All-Pro fullback, was reportedly considered a cap casualty early this summer. When he updated his contract with San Francisco, Aiyuk’s name appeared in NFL trade rumors, as the two sides were far apart in contract negotiations.
Despite Aiyuk’s social media posts indicating dissatisfaction with his situation in San Francisco, the winds began to shift. According to reports, Samuel could be the offensive weapon most likely to be selected in the 2024 NFL Draft.
San Francisco received trade requests from all throughout the league, but no deal was completed. Even after selecting wide receiver Ricky Pearsall with the 31st overall choice, 49ers general manager John Lynch maintained his top receivers on the roster. However, this might not last long.
According to ESPN’s Nick Wagoner, the 49ers are “planning” to cut at least one of AIyuk after this season. It’s also feasible that neither pass-catcher returns to the 49ers for the 2025 season.
“The Niners anticipate losing at least one (if not two) players by 2025. … The plan has been and continues to be to work out a long-term contract extension for Aiyuk. If that happens, serious decisions about Samuel and Jennings (an unrestricted free agent) would be made after the season.”
The wheels could be in motion for both players’ eventual departures. Pearsall would eventually take over as San Francisco’s slot receiver, while fourth-round pick Jacob Cowing might become another offensive threat.
While it is possible that either Aiyuk or Samuel will play for another team in 2025, losing both would be a severe blow to the 49ers’ offense. However, with quarterback Brock Purdy set to get a contract extension worth more than $45 million per season, San Francisco appears willing to turn the page on two of Purdy’s finest playmakers.
