49ers division, conference reign ends if Aiyuk leaves, according to Orlovsky

49ers division, conference reign ends if Aiyuk leaves, according to Orlovsky originally appeared in NBC Sports Bay Area

Brandon Aiyuk is an important piece to the 49ers’ success. Without him, San Francisco’s offense would take a step back.

For how much? That’s left up for debate.

The disgruntled wide receiver, who sought a lucrative contract extension throughout the off-season, allegedly requested an exchange from the 49ers on Tuesday after negotiations stalled.

ESPN Dan Orlovsky Joins “NFL Live” on Tuesday to discuss Aiyuk’s trade request and made a bold claim about San Francisco’s NFC West chances should Aiyuk depart.

“As of 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 take them to win their division, I’d take the Los Angeles Rams. I think he’s very important to this offense.”

Orlovsky explained his statement, highlighting Aiyuk’s role in the 49ers’ offense and why his departure would have such a huge impact.

“Context is important. First, this is an offense that requires a very versatile No. 1 wide receiver that you can move around a lot of different ways in formations,” Orlovsky added. “Two, 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 to do that.

“Number three, if Brandon Aiyuk is not on the team, then who are they throwing the football down the field to the wide receiver? They don’t have that person. Now, can Ricky Pearsall turn into that, that’s a big question. Deebo Samuel He’s not necessarily that person, he’s the guy who carries the ball a ton… he’s a reliable receiver, are you going to take that away from a Super Bowl contender?

The 49ers won the NFC West over the Los Angeles Rams by two games last season and secured the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs en route to a Super Bowl LVIII appearance against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Would Aiyuk’s departure and the emergence of a healthier, stronger Rams team be enough to dethrone San Francisco from the top of the division?

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