Lynch: 49ers have moved past Deebo, Aiyuk trade talk
49ers general manager John Lynch reiterated San Francisco's commitment to Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk following reports that the club entertained trade offers for the star wideouts.
"I'm doing everything in my power to keep our roster together," Lynch said on Thursday's "The Pat McAfee Show." "That's my goal. And I don't question that. I've got so much belief. When you talk about guys like Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo - they're guys we drafted. They're guys that we take a lot of pride in what they've become, who they've become. And we couldn't be more proud of those guys."
Lynch added: "During the course of drafts and offseasons, do conversations happen? Absolutely they do. We're past that now."
Aiyuk, 26, is entering the final year of his rookie contract that'll see him earn $14.1 million next season. He's set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2025. Aiyuk led the club with 75 catches for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns in 2023.
Samuel has two years remaining on a three-year, $71.55-million extension signed in July 2022. He's set to account for a $28.6-million cap hit in 2024, according to Spotrac.
The Niners continued to add to their wide receiver room at last week's NFL draft, selecting Ricky Pearsall in the first round and Jacob Cowing in the fourth.
Lynch said he's confident that that franchise has made a "strong group even stronger."
San Francisco is aiming to get over the hump after making four NFC title game appearances over the past five seasons, representing the conference in two Super Bowls, including an OT loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in February.
"It kills me that we've come close but we haven't knocked down that wall, and we need to add a sixth trophy," Lynch said. "That's what I'm committed to doing, and that's what we're committed to doing. There's been some heartbreak, but the only thing I know how to do is you go back, you try to find a way to get a little bit better, you keep your belief up, and you take some more swings at it, and that's what we'll continue to do."