San Francisco 49ers star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk officially requested a transfer on Tuesday.

Read more: 49ers All-Pro wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has officially requested a transfer

After months of contract negotiations that failed to produce any results, Aiyuk has decided to officially submit his request to join a new team.

However, that doesn't mean the 49ers have to give him up.

Shortly after the trade request was reported, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the 49ers had “no intention” of trading Aiyuk.

“Other teams that have contacted and spoken with San Francisco have been told that the 49ers have no intention of trading disgruntled WR Brandon Ayiuk, who has officially requested a transfer,” Shefter wrote.

LAS VEGAS, NV – FEBRUARY 11: Brandon Aiyuk #11 of the San Francisco 49ers looks on before Super Bowl LVIII against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024 in Las…
LAS VEGAS, NV – FEBRUARY 11: Brandon Aiyuk #11 of the San Francisco 49ers looks on before Super Bowl LVIII against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, NV. The 49ers don’t want to trade Aiyuk.
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Perry Knotts/Getty Images

The 49ers begin training camp next week, and if Aiyuk isn't traded by then, he's expected to be there. Otherwise, he risks having to pay hefty fines the longer he's away from the team. It remains to be seen, however, how he would handle not being traded.

A transfer request is nothing new for the 49ers, especially when it involves a star player. Just two offseasons ago, star wide receiver Deebo Samuel officially requested a transfer from San Francisco after the two sides could not agree on a contract extension. However, the 49ers made it clear they would not part with him and agreed to a three-year, $71.55 million contract extension before the new season. Kicker Robbie Gould was another player who requested a transfer but later signed a new contract with San Francisco.

The drama surrounding Aiyuk and the 49ers continued throughout the offseason. There were a lot of conflicting reports about San Francisco possibly trading Aiyuk during the NFL Draft. Then, when a report came out in late June that the Washington Commanders had rejected a trade offer from the 49ers for Aiyuk, the wide receiver commented, “But I thought the Niners never wanted to trade me.”

Read more: Brandon Aiyuk calls out 49ers after rejected trade offer reported against him

A week earlier, Aiyuk had spoken to the Commanders' new quarterback, Jayden Daniels, on the phone and told him that the 49ers “don't want him back.”

Read more: 49ers star Brandon Aiyuk on transfer rumors: “They don’t want me back”

San Francisco general manager John Lynch announced at the beginning of the offseason that he wanted Aiyuk back. Star tight end George Kittle also said he expected Aiyuk to be back next season.

However, Aiyuk has been hinting at possible transfers all season and on Tuesday it sounded like he had officially submitted his transfer request.

Now it's up to the 49ers to either give him the contract he wants or the trade he wants.

Unusual knowledge

Newsweek's goal is to challenge conventional wisdom and make connections while searching for common ground.

Newsweek's goal is to challenge conventional wisdom and make connections while searching for common ground.

The post San Francisco 49ers Have ‘No Intention’ of Buying and selling Brandon Aiyuk: Report appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

Highlights

• Brandon Aiyuk and the San Francisco 49ers had a “good meeting” that gave fans clarity regarding transfer rumors.
• Both sides want to reach a deal to keep Aiyuk in the Bay Area long-term.
• Aiyuk will likely want a contract extension that takes into account the newly inflated wide receiver market.

San Francisco 49ers star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has been a polarizing topic in the football world lately.

A series of events involving Aiyuk recently have highlighted his frustration with the organization. However, the offseason drama has apparently cleared up after it was reported that Aiyuk and team officials had a “good meeting” and that the star pass catcher would not demand a transfer. (via Tom Pelissero)

Here's what I can tell you: Aiyuk and the 49ers leadership met on Monday at Aiyuk's request. It was a good meeting. From what I've heard, both sides said the things that needed to be said and they're going to continue to work on them. It's important to note that there was never a trade request from Brandon Aiyuk. That hasn't changed. The 49ers' stance hasn't changed either, despite receiving trade talks involving Aiyuk since draft week.

Although Pelissero has openly expressed his frustration with the organization, he confirms that Aiyuk never requested a trade from the 49ers. While the team received calls regarding potential transfer packages, the 49ers have not changed their stance on bringing the star wideout back to the Bay Area in 2024.

They are moving forward and want Aiyuk to be part of the team in 2024, so I expect everyone involved will enjoy the Fourth of July holiday and regroup later. They still have several weeks to see if they can work out a deal that keeps Brandon Aiyuk in San Francisco long-term.

The organization still has time to sign Aiyuk to a new contract before the 2024 season, keeping him in scarlet and gold for the foreseeable future.

Related

Report: 49ers definitely want star WR back

Contrary to the recent video in which Brandon Aiyuk says the 49ers don't want him back, San Francisco certainly sees his future with him.

Estimate of Brandon Aiyuk’s contract extension

Both sides have expressed a desire for Aiyuk to stay in San Francisco, but that could come at a high price

Photo credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan runs an offense that is inherently based on running the football, so we've seen him take star running back Christian McCaffrey's game to a whole new level.

The offense is loaded with star offensive players all over the field, and Shanahan does his best to distribute the ball to all of his playmakers. The offense doesn't necessarily need Aiyuk to catch 100 or more passes per season, so he doesn't get as many touches as players like other wide receivers like Ceedee Lamb or Amon Ra St. Brown.

It's safe to assume that Aiyuk would want a contract similar to St. Brown's recent extension, as the two have similar talent. St. Brown's contract extension with the Detroit Lions is a four-year, $120 million deal that includes $77 million in guaranteed salary.

This is a situation to keep an eye on going forward. Aiyuk's new contract could potentially boost the wide receiver market even more than it already is. Aiyuk and the 49ers are looking to defend their title as NFC champions and finally bring home the Lombardi Trophy in 2024.

Source: Tom Pelissero

All statistics courtesy of Pro Football Reference unless otherwise noted.

Related

Ranking of the Top 5 NFL Receiver Rooms for 2024

College football continues to supply the NFL with a surplus of great wide receivers, but which receiver team tops the rest?

The post 49ers & Brandon Aiyuk ‘Transferring Ahead’, Not Searching for Commerce appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

ARIZONA – The Arizona Cardinals have had no luck getting rid of Brandon Aiyuk from the NFC West.

This series is likely to continue.

After an offseason filled with rumors and speculation surrounding the San Francisco 49ers' Aiyuk situation — in which it felt like Aiyuk was all but gone — NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported that the two sides met earlier this week and there was still no movement on San Francisco's willingness to trade the Arizona State product.

From Pelissero:

“I can tell you this: Aiyuk and the 49ers' management met on Monday at Aiyuk's request. It was a good meeting. From what I've heard, both sides said the things that needed to be said and they're going to continue to work on them. It's important to note here: There was never a trade request from Brandon Aiyuk. That hasn't changed. The 49ers' stance hasn't changed either. Although they've had trade talks about Aiyuk since draft week, they're moving forward and want Aiyuk to be part of the team in 2024. So I would expect all parties involved to enjoy the Fourth of July and regroup sometime after that. They still have several weeks here to see if they can work out a deal that keeps Brandon Aiyuk in San Francisco long-term.”

Aiyuk has been vocal about his desire for a new contract this season that would make him one of the highest-paid receivers in the league. He has been instrumental in the organization's great success over the past few years and is in the final year of his rookie contract.

In the first game against Arizona last season, Aiyuk caught six passes for 148 yards to give the 49ers the win. According to OverTheCap, the 49ers have just over $31 million in salary cap space.

So far, it is expected that Arizona will see the former first-round pick twice more next season.

Don’t forget to bookmark All Cardinals for the latest news, analysis, updates and more!

The post San Francisco 49ers Will not Commerce Brandon Aiyuk appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

The NFL Draft always brings chaos, but this year it feels even crazier than usual.

Double-digit teams are trying to move up in the first round as franchise quarterbacks and game-changing wide receivers headline this year's class.

While on Thursday one NFC West team, the Los Angeles Rams, was reported to be looking to advance to the first round, The Athletic's Diana Russini now reported that a second team in that league is interested in advancing – and that is the case They're taking calls on two of their best players.

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 11: Deebo Samuel #19 of the San Francisco 49ers and Brandon Aiyuk #11 of the San Francisco 49ers line up during an NFL football game between the San Francisco 49ers…
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 11: Deebo Samuel #19 of the San Francisco 49ers and Brandon Aiyuk #11 of the San Francisco 49ers face off during an NFL football game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 11 at Levi's Stadium on , 2022 in Santa Clara, California. The 49ers are reportedly fielding calls on Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk to move up in the draft.
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Michael Owens/Getty Images

Russini reports that the San Francisco 49ers are interested in moving up in the first round and have had discussions with teams around All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel and the dominant Brandon Aiyuk.

According to sources, the 49ers have had discussions with teams, including a pick in the top 10, about trading their prized wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel to move up in the first round.

— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) April 25, 2024

Aiyuk has been in the headlines all season, long after a trade request was reported. However, 49ers general manager John Lynch revealed that the team would like to keep him in San Francisco for the remainder of his career.

Aiyuk is having the best year of his young career in 2023. The former first-round pick caught 75 passes for a career-high 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns last season. This was followed by a 2022 season in which he set career highs with 78 catches and eight touchdowns and 1,015 yards.

However, Aiyuk is seeking a long-term deal, which is why he has made his name in trade talks this offseason.

As for Samuel, he has already received his long-term contract, although only after his own offseason full of drama and trade requests in 2022. He did, however, secure his big deal, a three-year, $71.5 million contract that runs through the next Season is underway.

If the 49ers were to trade Samuel on Thursday, they would pocket over $21 million in dead money, according to Over The Cap. As for Aiyuk, he's entering the final year of his rookie contract, which will pay him just over $14 million, but he wants a long-term deal.

This year's class is full of wide receivers. So if the 49ers wanted to add one on a rookie deal, they would have their options.

The best receiver in this year's class is probably Ohio State's Marvin Harrison Jr., but not far behind are LSU's Malik Nabers and Washington's Rome Odunze. Those are the “big three” and all would require the team to move up, probably to the top 10. After that, there are other great options like Texas' Adonai Mitchell, LSU's Brian Thomas Jr., Oregon's Troy Franklin and Florida's Keon Coleman from the State.

The 49ers currently have the No. 31 pick in the first round. But it sounds like they're aiming for a promotion, similar to what they did in 2020 when they got Aiyuk. In this draft, they moved up to No. 25 from the same No. 31.

Unusual knowledge

Newsweek strives to challenge conventional wisdom and find connections in the search for common ground.

Newsweek strives to challenge conventional wisdom and find connections in the search for common ground.

The post San Francisco 49ers Reportedly Speaking Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk Trades in Try and Transfer Up in NFL Draft appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

To kick off this year’s “Who Is?” series, Brandon Aiyuk might actually be the 49ers’ best straight wide receiver.

Welcome to the opening of Niner Noise’s “Who Is?” series, in which we break down every San Francisco 49ers player on the 90-man offseason roster and address the most pressing questions facing them as the regular season begins.

As this is always an alphabetical affair, it’s no surprise that wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk graces the beginning of this annual series.

And he could also secure the title of the Niners’ best pure wideout. With all due respect to All-Pro Deebo Samuel, who does a lot of things terribly well, Aiyuk is a superior route runner and far outperforms Samuel against man coverage.

If you spend just a little time watching both players’ All 22 movie, you’ll probably come to the same conclusion.

Aiyuk was a 1,000-yard receiver for the first time in his career last season and also led all San Francisco passers in that category.

Considering the 49ers also have top players like Samuel, tight end George Kittle and running back Christian McCaffrey vying for touches, Aiyuk’s performance is certainly notable. And he has every right to be frustrated with any criticism.

1k as a 4th option in a run first offense I’m as real as Lil Baby says and it’s awesome! I’m always ready to be in business. Year 4

— BA (@THE2ERA) March 21, 2023

The Niners have already accepted Aiyuk’s fifth-year option to play with them until 2024, but some uncertainty is looming.

Will this affect 2023? Or will some of the other question marks in San Francisco cause Aiyuk to go through some kind of regression after hitting career bests the year before?

In summary, Aiyuk showed promise in his rookie season before starting off a little slow in his sophomore year but really picking up steam in the second half.

Throughout 2022, fans got to see Aiyuk in full form.

ASU’s former first-round pick certainly benefited from Samuel having an All-Pro season the year before, and then the mid-season takeover of McCaffrey also helped ease some of the pressure on Aiyuk.

The only disagreement was with the quarterback. The 49ers played Trey Lance, Jimmy Garoppolo and Brock Purdy throughout the year.

While there’s still a lot of uncertainty at the center, Garoppolo was the one quarterback Aiyuk never really got along with and now he’s with the Las Vegas Raiders.

If Purdy returns from his offseason elbow injury and picks up where he left off with Aiyuk, the signs point to the receiver’s 2022 numbers being exceeded.

2021 showed that Aiyuk can be a mixed player. Sure, the 25-year-old receiver has now been fully entrenched in the system for three years and he’s the perfect complement to Samuel at the top of the wide receiver depth chart.

However, the Niners have plenty of mouths to feed… er, hands to put the ball in when it comes to offensive weapons. Going back through the talent list, everyone like Samuel, McCaffrey and Kittle can upset Aiyuk.

Would it be enough to stop Aiyuk from getting another 1,000-yard season?

Maybe, but considering San Francisco still doesn’t know who will start under the center this season, another X-Factor could potentially stand in the way of Aiyuk’s upward trend.

Still under his cheap rookie contract as he begins his pro career, Aiyuk has $3.987 million counted against the cap this season, according to Over the Cap. However, with his fully guaranteed fifth year option in 2024, that number rises to over $14 million.

The 49ers already spent big bucks on Samuel’s overtime in the 2022 offseason, and it’s rare for teams to pay two wideouts a lucrative sum of money at the same time. Admittedly, quarterbacking costs will remain low for the foreseeable future should the Niners fully commit to Purdy at center.

However, paying both Samuel and Aiyuk will be difficult in the long run.

Continue reading: ESPN points out the painful truth about Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel

This has led to some speculation that Aiyuk could be traded before that fifth-year option is exercised, possibly in a move that will see San Francisco look to “sell big” and some serious ones in exchange for an ascending receiver recover assets.

Or maybe Samuel will end up being the player to be moved if the 49ers favor Aiyuk’s general ability in a role while also appreciating McCaffrey’s versatile roles more.

However, as 2023 begins, Aiyuk will simply be a key cog in the Niners’ offense, and that’s where he’s at his best.

Read more from Niner Noise

The post Is Brandon Aiyuk San Francisco’s finest extensive receiver? appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

Also some info on Anthony DeSclafani’s toe.

• From
  
  Bryan Murphy
  

• on May 14, 2023 11:15 am

A few minutes ago, the San Francisco Giants announced that after yesterday’s game, David Villar was selected for the Triple-A Sacramento to activate Brandon Crawford for tonight’s finals in Arizona.

Not at all surprising — Susan Slusser interviewed him in an article published May 10, in which even he knew the signs were up — but another step that shows the Giants are walking a tightrope in rebuilding and developing . Gabe Kapler says in the Slusser article I wanted to write here:

“The only thing I still want to be very clear about is that David has only had 100 record appearances,” said Kapler. “It’s a really quick look and given his track record you know he’s a good hitter. I didn’t even pay a moment’s attention to the traditional line stats. Underneath, there were enough hard shots and consistent enough balls in the air that you feel like he’s going to get some good results in the end.

Villar’s 50% ball rate is exactly 100 PA and his 14.3% FB/HR rate is almost exactly the same as the team’s overall rate of 17.4% (second best in MLB). However, the 30% strikeout rate is a real disappointment – he just doesn’t put a lot of balls in play. Statcast likes his defense and we saw him do well on second base after JD Davis’ glove on third base was so surprising that it overpowered him.

At the end of last year I raised my flag at Villar:

Villar’s success doesn’t seem to me to be a coincidence. Those 47 home runs come with a .275/.388/.555 line in 812 plate appearances. He carried this over to a .231/.332/.455 line in 181 major league plate appearances.

[…]

FanGraphs’ Steamer predictions rate Davis and Villar similarly and not in a way that suggests they will be key players — .325 woBA for both, with Villar ahead in fWAR and homers: 1.5 to 1.1 13 to 11 respectively. I’m not smart enough to refute predictions, I can only assume what I’ve seen after four years of the Zaidi era, and that’s how they were able to figure out a usage model that maximizes players’ skills. Most of these skills are reflected in publicly available statistics, but not all.

The Giants both have no glaring need that would compel them to be patient for Villar to “complete his development at the major league level” (an expression we’ve heard before when talking about certain prospects in certain situations goes). Let’s hope he can triple-A and retain those lessons when he comes back.

I have a feeling they will need David Villar’s racquet at some point this season.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Meanwhile, the return of Brandon Crawford means Casey Schmitt will be pushed throughout infield if he doesn’t spell the 36-year-old. This will be another important moment for Crawford as – like Villar – there are some signs hanging on the wall. We all know this is Crawford’s final season in the Giants jersey. It could be his last season in Major League Baseball. The 36-year-old midfielder’s story doesn’t point to a triumphant ending. However, it’s still worth introducing him as a starter to see where he lands on the spectrum of prepared and playable characters, and it will be a good test of Schmitt’s versatility.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Luke Jackson will be an important name to remember as we near the end of the month. As Alex Pavlovic notes, he is eligible to complete the 60-day IL (in which he rehabilitated after Tommy John’s surgery) on May 29.

Back in January I wrote about the Jackson acquisition – which is still sort of one of Zaidi’s biggest moves as a POBO – and called it John Brebbia 2.0. In 2021, he pitched in 11 of Atlanta’s 16 postseason games, but also saw his slider spin rate drop after the league began cracking down on sticky players. And then he had TJ surgery last year.

The Giants will need a fresher version of John Brebbia to get through the rest of the season. The one they have now is showing signs of wear and tear from last season’s overuse, and if the Rays’ model of treating pitchers like chewing gum has now become the industry norm, the Giants are going to need a new stick of spearmint here soon. The bullpen is still wobbly.

Of course, the rotation is looking a little shaky at the moment due to Anthony DeSclafani’s toe issue. We found out yesterday that a piano bench fell on his toe the other day and it’s still causing him problems. Everyone I know who has had a fracture or other toe injury has never fully recovered from it. He needs to get a special shoe or something. We hope he doesn’t miss any time. The Giants really need his arm…and they have to hope he doesn’t overcompensate to the point of increasing the risk of an arm injury.

Continue reading

The post San Francisco Giants roster strikes 5/14/2023: Brandon Crawford activated from IL, David Villar optioned; Luke Jackson begins rehab appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

Former sports editor Brandon Pride at his desk in the DP office (photo courtesy of Brandon Pride).

While serving as Summer Sports Editor in 2020, Brandon Pride introduced the 15 Questions series at The DP, which allows athletes to share little insights into their lives both inside and outside of sport.

Instead of a traditional senior citizen column, the DP sat down with the former sports editor and asked him 15 questions about his time at The Daily Pennsylvanian, his experiences at Penn and life in general. Here’s what the graduate had to say.

1. Introduce yourself.

I’m Brandon Pride, originally studying Finance and Management in San Jose, California. At The DP, I worked in the athletic department for four years, holding various roles.

2. How did you decide to join DPOSTM? [The DP’s Only Section That Matters]?

Well, actually it was pretty easy. There was no newspaper in my high school, and I’ve always been very interested in sports and writing. So when I came to Penn I just saw it as a perfect opportunity and it was a great fit from the start.

3. What is your favorite memory of the DP?

This fall we took a road trip to Dartmouth [for the football Ivy opener]This was the first time the department had traveled there in nearly a decade. The round trip took almost 20 hours but in the end it was a really cool experience to see the school and cover a really exciting game at the start of the season.

And because it was parents weekend in dartmouth and [Hanover’s] With the city already being so limited in terms of accommodation, we had to stay in this shared house in the middle of the woods, about an hour from the school, with no electricity, plumbing, or cellphone signal. Of course, that sounds far from ideal, but it ended up being really funny and memorable, and now it’s kind of ridiculous to look back on.

Photo credit: Anna Vazhaeparambil Brandon Pride interviews football coach Ray Priore on November 19, 2022.

4. What should every Penn student in Philadelphia do before they graduate?

Well Philadelphia is a great city and there are a lot of things to do but I really enjoyed walking the Schuylkill Trail. If you make it to the end, you’ll see tons of cool old statues and scenic views, and it’s a great way to get some exercise that’s a little more fun than just running on a treadmill.

5. What is the most underrated restaurant on campus or in the area?

As for underrating, I don’t think Smokes’ is underrated as a bar, of course, but the food is actually pretty good I’d say. A lot of people don’t even know you can get food there, but I think they probably have the best pizza on campus.

6. What was the best class you took at Penn?

There were a lot of really good ones. “Negotiations” with Professor Taheripour were definitely impressive when I took it; You learn a lot about yourself by taking this course. I also had the opportunity to do it at TA this semester so it made it even more memorable because I was practically able to do it twice.

7. What’s on your TV show Mount Rushmore?

“Breaking Bad” would definitely be number one, and I think “The Sopranos” would have to be included there as well. Nathan for You would definitely be on the list as well. Then I say Black Mirror so I’m really looking forward to next month’s new season.

8th. What do you think is the most versatile thing about you?

So when I start and finish my year at Penn, I usually try to drive across the country back to California or Pennsylvania with my dad, and it’s always been a lot of fun, even though it’s an insanely long trip. You get to know many different parts of the country and get to know all kinds of different things. So this is definitely pretty unusual, but I always recommend it to anyone who gets the chance.

9. What’s at the top of your wish list?

My goal has always been to be able to dunk a basketball. Whether that will ever come to fruition remains to be seen. As for things that are more tangible, I’ve always wanted to travel all 50 states and I’m pretty close. The road trips help with that.

10 What was your favorite moment as a Bay Area sports fan?

The selection is definitely large. I’ve been pretty blessed with sporting achievements at home throughout my life, although my favorite team, the 49ers, has never achieved that achievement in my life. But I’d say probably the San Francisco Giants win at the 2014 World Series where Madison Bumgarner just went nuts and gave us the win in game seven for relief. I will never forget that.

11. Who are your favorite athletes and who are your least favorite athletes?

My favorite athlete is probably Michael Phelps because his eight gold medals at the 2008 Olympics really got me into the sport. Then reading his book No Limits inspired me to try to apply his work ethic not only to sports but to other areas of life as well.

My least favorite athlete – I know he’s really good – might be Chris Paul. To be honest I always found him kind of annoying, especially as a Warriors fan.

12. What did you like most and least as a sports editor?

I would say the biggest challenge was always having to be on call for breaking news because you never know when something might happen. And probably the best part was helping new writers get the hang of the basics and watch them learn, and maybe even create the weekly meeting icebreakers.

13. What is your favorite story that you have written here?

I think two come to mind first. I wrote both in 2020. The first was a partner story I wrote with Joey Piatt about why Penn students don’t go to basketball games even though we have a lot of people here who are interested in sports and that just ended up being one really relevant story that is still relevant today. It was talked about quite a bit on campus, so it was cool to make an impact and talk about something that we felt was important.

And the other — I know I’m cheating by giving two — was a profile I did on Ryan Glover, who used to be quarterback here at Penn. Upon doing some research on him, it turned out that his mother had been married to Usher for several years. So I wrote a story looking at Ryan’s background from a sports and life perspective. Of course it’s unique to have an upbringing like that, so it was really cool to just talk to him, his mother and many other people in his life to finally draw a picture of him and show that he’s more than just a man was an athlete.

14 How would you like to be remembered at DPOSTM?

I think first of all I want to be remembered as someone who was really passionate about the department. Even after my tenure as editor ended, I remained committed and wrote stories from the beginning through my senior week at Penn. And then also someone who has always tried to make it a welcoming community for all people who wanted to join the department and advance there.

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In addition, I think it will help us get through COVID[-19] and also attach great importance to road trips. I’ve had the chance to play all eight Ivies games, so I hope this tradition can continue after I graduate.

15 What are your plans after graduation?

I will be starting a financial analyst position at Walmart in August. I did an internship at the Northwest Arkansas headquarters last summer and had a great time. So I’m really looking forward to going back there and getting to work.

The post 15 questions with… Brandon Satisfaction, a former DP sports activities editor appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

Nick WagonerESPN AuthorMay 9, 2023 6:00 am ET5 minutes read

Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel’s combined cap count is set to increase by just over $30 million next season as part of their current deals. Michael Owens/Getty Images

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — After San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch sold DeForest Buckner to the Indianapolis Colts in 2020, he described it as the toughest decision he’d made since taking the job three years earlier .

Similar difficult scenarios have surfaced since, most recently with proper tackle Mike McGlinchey, the No. 9 overall pick in the 2018 draft. McGlinchey wanted to stay in San Francisco and the Niners wanted to keep him, but well before McGlinchey signed a five-year, 87.5 contract in March million dollars signed with the Denver Broncos, it was clear the teams were headed for a breakup.

At the heart of these decisions were the either-or choices between great players that most teams would love to have. In 2020, that meant Buckner was out as his defenseman Arik Armstead stayed on. This year, it was McGlinchey on the move because Williams signed a contract in 2021 that made him the highest-paid offensive tackle in the game. To a lesser extent, the 49ers opted to re-sign linebacker Dre Greenlaw rather than retain Azeez Al-Shaair.

All of this sets the table for what could be San Francisco’s next big contract dilemma: what to do with receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk. Given that Samuel signed a three-year, $71.55 million extension in August, it seems too early to discuss. But with Aiyuk eligible for an extension and coming off a season in which he, not Samuel or Pro Bowl tight end George Kittle, picked up the team, he’s well on his way to a big payday.

“That’s a good question,” Lynch said. “That’s a valid question because I understand the mindset. You can’t keep them all.”

That mindset, combined with the 49ers getting calls from teams interested in acquiring Aiyuk, was enough to make people wonder if the Niners could actually move him this year. The rumor mill worked so hard during draft week that Aiyuk, the #25 pick in the 2020 draft, had moments of doubt. On April 28, Aiyuk tweeted that he received a call from his agent who was “just chatting” but was worried it might be the call that was delivered to him.

While Lynch and Shanahan insist they will listen to everyone – they joke they’ll swap if the offer is good enough – they never planned on doing anything other than keeping Aiyuk for 2023.

The Niners kept Aiyuk and picked up his fifth-year rookie option before the May 1 deadline, which guarantees him a base salary of $14.124 million for the 2024 season if he doesn’t sign a renewal by then. Therein lies the predicament of the 49ers. Traditionally, they prefer not to sign first-round picks for an overtime until after their fourth season. That will happen later this summer with Nick Bosa, who is likely to become the league’s highest-paid defender once his deal is finalized.

If Aiyuk can build on the 78 catches, 1,015 yards and eight touchdowns he clinched in 2022, there’s a fair argument that he’s not only San Francisco’s best straight pass catcher, but also one of the league’s burgeoning receivers. With the cost of top wideouts rising, the Niners would theoretically have to choose between Samuel and Aiyuk.

That could happen eventually, but there’s also a way for the Niners to delay that decision for at least another year while they continue chasing their elusive sixth Lombardi trophy. Samuel’s salary cap for 2023 is an affordable $8.65 million, while Aiyuk’s is a little under $4 million. Their total increases from $12.65 million to a whopping $42,696,000 in 2024.

But under normal circumstances, most first-round picks who sign a lucrative long-term deal will have a more manageable first-year salary cap than if they had played with the fifth-year option. Samuel’s cap in 2022 after signing his renewal was $6.88 million and won’t drastically increase until 2024 ($28.5 million). That’s still a significant investment. But it’s not outrageous to think that the Niners could keep Samuel and Aiyuk together for a few more seasons by structuring an Aiyuk overtime to limit his short-term cap hits.

Regardless, the Niners view Aiyuk differently than players like Buckner and McGlinchey, largely due to their development as a franchise. The Niners made some of their earlier decisions to try to extend their Super Bowl window as long as possible. Your current choices are made to jump through this window before it closes.

“We’re trying to do something special this year and Brandon will be a big part of that and beyond,” Lynch said. “You always have to think a few years, but we’re really excited for Brandon. I feel like he took another big step last year and I think the best is yet to come and that’s why we want him to be a part of it.

“Right now and in the future, we’re really excited about Brandon Aiyuk and where he is as a professional.”

Another major factor in how this might play out: the Niners’ belief in quarterback Brock Purdy. Purdy is expected to return to the starting role this season and beyond once he recovers from right elbow surgery. Purdy is not eligible for a contract extension until after the 2024 season and has cap hits of $889,253 and $1,004,253 in 2023 and 2024, respectively.

That bargain price coincides with massive cap jumps for Kittle, Williams, and linebacker Fred Warner. It also goes a long way in helping the Niners afford to keep their core for at least two more seasons and sign high-profile free agent defensive tackle Javon Hargrave. And if Purdy delivers and earns a lucrative deal of its own, San Francisco has even more onerous decisions to make.

“That was the whole goal,” Shanahan said. “If we could get a quarterback on a rookie deal to play at a high, high, high enough level that we thought we could win with that, then we thought we could build our team.”

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NEW YORK – Hours after learning his grandmother had died, Brandon Belt texted his wife and parents on Tuesday admitting he was struggling and unsure if he could play.

His father reminded him that his grandmother, Margaret Peterson, wanted to see him out there.

“I think that kind of got me locked in,” Belt said.

Belt with a heavy heart swung a heavy bat, hitting two of San Francisco’s four home runs before dedicating them and the rest of his season to the memory of his grandmother after the Giants’ 8-0 win over the Mets.

“I was stunned all day,” he said. “I was just glad I could get out of here and do this for her.”

Brandon Belt went 4 for 5 with two homers and dedicated the game on Tuesday and the rest of the season to his grandmother, who died Tuesday morning. Photo by Jim McIsaac / Getty Images

The 33-year-old Belt finished a 2-on-30 skid with a drive that landed on Citi Field’s center field apple in the first inning, homered again in the fourth and also had two singles. The second homer was his best 19th of the season.

“I couldn’t help but have the feeling that there was something powerful at play when he hit his first home run,” said Giants manager Gabe Kapler.

Belt’s grandmother died of COVID-19 on Tuesday morning, Belt said. Growing up in Texas with his mother’s mother, he said that she and his grandfather provided financial aid while Belt pursued a baseball career in high school by traveling to show tournaments.

“She was always proud to brag about me to her friends,” said Belt.

Kapler said he expected Belt to leave the team for the memorial service in the next few days and that he would have the club’s full support.

“He just looked locked up,” said Kapler. “And I think that’s amazing considering what he went through today.”

The major league leaders have won 20 of 27 games while trying to stop the Dodgers in NL West. San Francisco started on Tuesday with a 2½ game lead.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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MILWAUKEE (AP) – The San Francisco Giants delivered another unlikely win from behind by showing the tenacity that has enabled them to have the best record in baseball.

Brandon Belt hit his second homer of the night during a four-run breakout on Aug.

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After 2-1 with two outs in ninth place, the Giants combined it with a bizarre RBI triple and scored eight runs in the last three innings. San Francisco had to use nine different pitchers.

“That was the toughest performance of the year for our club,” said Giants manager Gabe Kapler.

That’s a strong statement considering the courage the NL West leaders have shown throughout the season. That latest win came just two nights after the Giants made up a 4-0 deficit in the ninth inning in a 5-4, 10-inning triumph in Arizona.

The Giants played their third consecutive extra inning game. They leveled the game with a two-out rally in ninth place and then bounced back after losing a three-round lead in 10th place.

LaMonte Wade brought the Giants on the 11th Belt followed with a double shot over the right field wall. Kris Bryant crowned the rally with an RBI double.

“That’s a really good lineup,” said Brewers starter Brandon Woodruff. “Of course a lot of these guys have multiple World Series rings. A moment is not too big for either of these guys. You saw everything. “

All four of the Giants’ 11th innings were run by Sal Romano (0-1) in his Brewers debut.

Belt also hit a solo shot in the fourth solo and has three homers in the last two nights. Bryant and Buster Posey both had three hits.

Jake McGee (4-2) landed 9-5 at the end of the 11th. McGee was not supposed to line up on Saturday but was called upon when the game reached the 11th.

“I didn’t have my brace down there or my cup or anything, so they had to do that in extra innings,” said McGee, who was running for the third night in a row.

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The Brewers were deprived of a 2-1 win when Tommy La Stella hit a drive in the ninth inning that fell in front of right fielder Avisaíl García on the warning trail. La Stella has been credited with a triple that Bryant scored from the start.

García backed away until he was in front of the wall and took a few steps to the right to find the fly, but never touched the ball when he reached for it.

“I think he got stuck on the wall a bit and then struggled to change direction,” said Brewers manager Craig Counsell. “I think he was preparing to catch against the wall and the ball just didn’t get there and he got a little tied up and his feet got tangled and he couldn’t recover from it.”

La Stella’s hit thwarted Brent Suter’s hopes of saving his first career at the age of 31.

“You have to give La Stella credit,” said Suter. “He just got a barrel on an up-and-in pitch. He got it up there and it moved and all. “

Milwaukee couldn’t reach out to All-Star Josh Hader, one of several brewers on the COVID-19 injured list.

Posey hit a two-run single through a drafted infield and Brandon Crawford drove home a prey fly run to help the Giants take a 5-2 lead over Miguel Sánchez in 10th place.

Luis Urías reduced the lead to 5-4 by starting the bottom of the 10th with a two-run homer to center Jarlin García in the middle. A failure later, Willy Adames also sent a García pitch over the midfield wall to tie him.

The Brewers led 2-1 into ninth as Woodruff pitched six strong innings and Tyrone Taylor broke his slump.

Woodruff struck eight, allowing six hits, a run, and a step.

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Taylor went 2 for 5 with a triple and kicked off in the fourth inning. Taylor had been 0 for 20 in his last six games before Saturday.

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