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Wild Brandon Aiyuk stats highlight his importance to the 49ers offense – NBC Sports Bay Area & California

Wild Brandon Aiyuk stats highlight his importance to the 49ers offense – NBC Sports Bay Area & California

It’s impossible to understate what Brandon Aiyuk means to the 49ers’ electric offense.

Even though contract negotiations between the All-Pro wide receiver and San Francisco are still far apart, and Aiyuk reportedly requested a trade on Tuesday, the 49ers and their fans know the rising fifth-year veteran is incredibly valuable.

But if anyone needs convincing, Aiyuk’s numbers don’t lie, and one top NFL stat in particular stands out.

Aiyuk led all receivers during the 2023 NFL season with 81.3 percent of his 75 receptions resulting in a first down or touchdown, per Jeff Kerr of CBS Sports (h/t Tim Ryan of 49ers Webzone). For comparison, Aiyuk blew fellow San Francisco star pass-catchers Deebo Samuel and George Kittle out of the water in the same category.

Aiyuk was the 49ers’ most impactful receiver when he got his hands on the ball during San Francisco’s 12-5 campaign in 2023.

In addition to the 26-year-old’s unique, league-leading stat line, Aiyuk also hovered near the top of the NFL with 1,342 receiving yards (seventh) and 17.9 yards per catch (second). He also joined San Francisco legend Jerry Rice as the only players in franchise history with seven or more 100-yard receiving games in a season.

Aiyuk has undoubtedly dominated his four seasons with the 49ers.

Since being selected 25th overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Arizona State product has totaled 269 receptions for 3,931 yards, 187 first downs and 25 touchdowns. He has also played the majority of his career snaps as San Francisco’s No. 2 passing option behind Samuel.

Despite having one of the NFL’s best offenses over the past two seasons, the 49ers appear reluctant to offer Aiyuk the hefty contract he undoubtedly deserves.

But the numbers don’t lie and Aiyuk is well on his way to continuing his achievements.

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