I’ve since learned from sources inside and outside the building that the 49ers reached out to numerous other teams in attempts to land a replacement for Aiyuk, sometimes exploring transactions with far lower marquee value.
For example, the Raiders, who are believed to be receptive to stockpiling picks in anticipation of positioning themselves to draft a quarterback next spring, were approached about dealing starting receiver Jakobi Meyers. The Raiders rebuffed S.F.’s overtures for the sixth-year veteran, who caught 71 passes for 807 yards and eight touchdowns in 2023.
Acquiring a player of Meyers’ caliber as Aiyuk’s ostensible replacement might not have moved the needle, but clearly Shanahan and Lynch were ready to move on. Then, that Thursday at 8:15 a.m., Aiyuk showed up unexpectedly in Shanahan’s office and gave indications that finalizing a contract with the Niners was viable.
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