49ers’ reign in division and conference will end if Aiyuk leaves, according to Orlovsky Originally appeared in NBC Bay Area Sports
Brandon Aiyuk is an important piece to the 49ers’ success. Without him, San Francisco’s offense would take a step back.
To what extent? That is open to debate.
The disgruntled wide receiver, who has sought a lucrative contract extension all offseason, He reportedly requested an exchange from the 49ers on Tuesday after negotiations stalled.
from ESPN Dan Orlovsky joined “NFL Live” Tuesday to discuss Aiyuk’s trade request and made a bold claim about San Francisco’s chances in the NFC West if the Second Team All-Pro leaves.
“Right now, the San Francisco 49ers are the favorites to win their division and their conference, and rightfully so,” Orlovsky said. “If Brandon Aiyuk wasn’t a San Francisco 49er, I wouldn’t pick them to win their division, I’d pick the Los Angeles Rams. I think he’s very important to this offense.”
Orlovsky went on to explain his claim, highlighting Aiyuk’s role in the 49ers’ offense and why his departure would have such a big impact.
“Context matters. First of all, this is an offense that demands a very versatile No. 1 wide receiver who can move a lot of different ways in formations,” Orlovsky added. “Second, you have to be able to block on the perimeter. You have to be willing and able to block on the perimeter consistently, Brandon Aiyuk is in the conversation as the best in the NFL at doing that.
“Thirdly, if Brandon Aiyuk is not on the team, who are they going to throw the ball to at wide receiver? They don’t have that person. Now, Ricky Pearsall could become that person, that’s a lot to ask. Deebo Samuel is not necessarily that person, he’s the guy they throw the ball to a lot… he’s a reliable receiver who catches passes, are you going to take that away from a Super Bowl contender?”
The 49ers won the NFC West against the Los Angeles Rams by two games last season and then clinched the top seed in the NFC playoffs en route to an appearance in Super Bowl LVIII against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Will Aiyuk’s departure, plus the emergence of a healthier, stronger Rams team, be enough to dethrone San Francisco atop the division?
Orlovsky is confident that this will be the case.