Legendary wide receiver Jerry Rice might have just teased some excellent news for San Francisco 49ers fans. Or, he is inadvertently plunging one last dagger into them before this whole saga ends. Either way, the all-time leader in catches, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns just sent seismic waves throughout the Bay Area after his latest post about disgruntled star Brandon Aiyuk.
“I guess we all find out tomorrow GOATS!” Rice ambiguously posted on Instagram, via Bleacher Report. “Will he stay or leave!”
While it is admittedly risky to overreact to this sort of claim, it would be odd for the three-time Super Bowl champion to take this approach if he had an inkling that Aiyuk was on the verge of being traded. People do not want to hear riddles before having to say goodbye to their team's No. 1 wideout.
Furthermore, a contract extension would support the growing optimism surrounding the 49ers-Aiyuk situation.
49ers have not given up on an extension yet
The two sides are reportedly not far apart in negotiations, which means that a late push by San Fran cannot be discounted. Ownership could decide it is in the best interest of the team's ongoing Super Bowl aspirations to ink the 26-year-old to a new, highly lucrative deal rather than ship him out to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
It usually takes the Niners some time to commit to their guys, but general manager John Lynch typically gets something done before the regular season starts. Although this contract conflict seemingly reached a point of no return after Aiyuk requested a trade in July, this franchise might be able to work its magic yet again.
Brandon Aiyuk was named a Second-Team All-Pro last season after recording 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns. He also made the miraculous grab that sparked a huge turnaround in the NFC Championship clash with the Detroit Lions. Jerry Rice is fully aware of the difference a star receiver can have on a team, considering he is the best to ever live.
49ers management is clearly aware of this fact, too, otherwise Aiyuk would probably already be gone. They have been exploring all their options up to now, but if the Super Bowl 23 MVP is to be believed, then a conclusion to this standoff is finally arriving.
Regardless of what uniform the Reno, Nevada native wears this year, it is important for San Francisco to move forward. Jerry Rice is eager for a decision to be made, that is for sure.
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