Why Aiyuk’s slow 49ers start after new contract doesn’t worry Lynch originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
John Lynch is not concerned about Brandon Aiyuk’s slow start to the 2024 NFL season, and the 49ers general manager has full confidence he will return to true form.
Speaking to Brian Murphy and Markus Boucher on KNBR’s “Murph & Markus” show Friday morning, Lynch explained why he isn’t worried about Aiyuk’s production through four games this season.
“Just keep watching, he’s just getting going,” Lynch said. “Brandon, so many of the things he does don’t show up on a stat sheet, it’s the way he blocks, it’s the effect he has on the game. And so, what I see is a player who each week looks a little bit better, missed the entire offseason, so there’s timing and precision that goes along with an offense. I think Brandon is becoming more comfortable every week and I think you’ll see the stats come. At the end of the year, it will all balance out.”
Aiyuk sat out during San Francisco’s entire offseason program seeking a new contract. After months of back-and-forth and potential trades, the 26-year-old signed a massive four-year extension worth a reported $120 million.
Over the first four games of the 2024 NFL season, Aiyuk has yet to have any big receiving performances. Instead, he has been overshadowed by the emergence of Jauan Jennings as quarterback Brock Purdy’s favorite target.
The entire San Francisco offense has looked out of sync for large stretches this season, as the 49ers continue to struggle with injury woes to some of its top offensive players.
With Aiyuk primed for a breakout, the 49ers will face the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday afternoon at a scorching hot Levi’s Stadium.
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