Wild Aiyuk’s stats highlight his importance to the 49ers’ offense originally appeared in NBC Sports Bay Area
There’s no understating what Brandon Aiyuk means to an electric 49ers offense.
Even though the All-Pro wide receiver and San Francisco remain far apart in contract negotiations, with Aiyuk reportedly requesting a trade Tuesday, the 49ers and their fans get to know the fifth-year rising star veteran is very valuable.
But if anyone needs convincing, Aiyuk’s numbers don’t lie, and one key NFL stat in particular stands out above the rest.
Aiyuk led all receivers during the 2023 NFL season with 81.3% of his 75 receptions resulting in a first down or touchdown, via Jeff Kerr of CBS Sports (Tim Ryan from h/t 49ers Webzone). For comparison’s sake, Aiyuk blew fellow San Francisco 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 amid San Francisco’s 12-5 2023 campaign.
In addition to the 26-year-old’s unique league-leading statistic, Aiyuk also ranked near the top of the NFL rankings 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 undoubtedly has dominated his four 49ers seasons.
Since the franchise selected him 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 — the majority of his career snaps have come as the second pass option from San Francisco, behind Samuel, too.
Despite having one of the NFL’s best offenses the past two seasons, the 49ers appear hesitant to offer Aiyuk the hefty contract he likely deserves.
But the numbers don’t lie and Aiyuk is on track to continue being great.
