Did Brandon Aiyuk Live up to his Offseason Claim for the 2023 Season?
Brandon Aiyuk had a tremendous 2022 season for the San Francisco 49ers.
It was the first time in his career that he had broken a 1,000 receiving. Being able to do that in a running offense as the "fourth option" as Aiyuk would put it is nothing short of impressive. However, Aiyuk still believed he was capable of more. Back in May during OTAs, Aiyuk made a claim about what was to come for his 2023 season.
"I'm about to take off. That's it." Aiyuk said confidently following an OTA practice. Now, every player is expecting and making claims about themselves being better for the upcoming season. Not everyone is able to back it up and prove what they said was right. So, did Aiyuk live up to his offseason claim for the 2023 season?
1,000 percent he did. Aiyuk was able to eclipse 1,000 yards receiving again with 1,342, which is over 300 more than last year. His most impressive stat of all is his 17.9 yards per reception along with 28 catches that went for over 20 yards. All of this is what led him to become a second-team All-Pro player in 2023.
I think it is safe to say that Aiyuk backed up his words from that OTA practice and then some. Ever since Aiyuk stepped into the league he has proven to ascend the following year. His arrow has remained pointing up since the 49ers drafted and it doesn't look anywhere close to moving from its trajectory.
Aiyuk picked the perfect season to back up his "take off" claims as he enters the final year of his rookie contract. The 49ers will be expected to extend Aiyuk, but thanks to his amazing season, the cost to do so will be expensive. Extending Aiyuk is a no brainer. However, the 49ers could always have other plans like trading him or letting him play out the final year of his deal.
It would behoove the 49ers to lock in Aiyuk for years to come given his track record as well as an investment into Brock Purdy.
