Brandon Aiyuk has momentum on his side in Year 3 while the 49ers’ receiving corps awaits Deebo Samuel’s return.
That is what Samuel did a year ago. He became the 49ers’ offensive catalyst. Now he’s set up for a top-of-the-market contract extension, which figures to come later this summer amid training camp.
Aiyuk overcame last season’s invisible start to finish with 56 catches, 826 yards and five touchdowns. He had similar numbers in five less games his rookie year . Lance, in presumably succeeding Jimmy Garoppolo, should have a wider array of targets with a satisfactorily compensated Samuel, a blossoming Aiyuk, an energetic Jennings, a slot man in McCloud and a rookie, deep-threat artist in Danny Gray, not to mention 2018-19 leading receiver: tight end George Kittle.