The San Francisco 49ers and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk ended their long standoff and agreed to a four-year extension that will get the All-Pro back on the field for the first time since the Super Bowl.
Aiyuk’s new contract and his return are undeniably good news for the 49ers. He’s their leading receiver from a season ago, and he’s the most well-rounded WR in their receiving corps. His ability to get open in all three levels of the passing game fundamentally changes the ways San Francisco’s passing attack can work.
His return may not be good news for everyone, though.
San Francisco kept seven wide receivers on its initial 53-man roster: Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, Jauan Jennings, Ricky Pearsall, Jacob Cowing, Chris Conley and Ronnie Bell.
It appeared the seventh WR was there as insurance in the event Aiyuk was either not ready or not signed by the season opener.
Given how training camp and the preseason shook out, the odd man out once Aiyuk is back at full speed and available would be Bell. He had a handful of good practices, but a couple drops and a punt return hiccup defined his preseason performance.
The 49ers may need to open a roster spot soon, and that extra WR would make a logical cut candidate. San Francisco could aim to add to its defensive line depth. They’ll have to clear a roster spot for left tackle Trent Williams, who is holding out for a new deal, if/when they reach an agreement.
Six receivers is probably plenty for the 49ers, which may leave Bell on the outside looking in once the team needs a roster spot.
One thing that could keep Bell around is Pearsall’s lingering shoulder injury. He had hamstring and shoulder issues in camp that sidelined him for most of the preseason practice sessions. The No. 31 overall pick also didn’t play in any preseason games. If the 49ers aren’t confident in where he’s at in his development, Bell could be an asset they need to keep on the roster.
This is ultimately a good problem for the 49ers to have. Aiyuk’s return was their biggest box to check when the offseason started. They’ve now checked that, and they’ll deal with any roster fallout that comes as a result.
