Former Florida Football star Ricky Pearsall is in the background of 49ers drama
It’s often been said that there’s always drama surrounding Florida Football. Whether it’s a recruiting battle or Billy Napier's inability to count to 11, something always seems to put the Gators in the headlines.
Perhaps a curse follows Gators even after they leave for the NFL, as one prominent former Gator finds himself as the backdrop for drama with one of the NFL’s premier franchises.
Florida Football: Run Ricky Run
Ricky Pearsall was drafted in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft by the San Francisco 49ers. On paper, San Francisco has one of the best, if not the best, receiving groups in the NFL, with George Kittle, Debo Samuel, Ricky Pearsall, and Brandon Aiyuk all being options for Brock Purdy to throw to.
Except the arrival of Pearsall could be leading to the departure of one of San Francisco’s established star receivers.
Aiyuk is under contract with San Francisco for $14 million in 2024 but has been trying to get an extension that could double his salary after hauling in 75 catches for 1,342 yards in 2023.
In a video he posted to TikTok, Aiyuk is seen conversing with former LSU and current Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels. The two were one-time teammates at Arizona State, and Aiyuk didn't mince words about his status with San Francisco.
Brandon Aiyuk to the Washington Commanders to play with his best friend Jayden Daniels would hit like RAY LEWIS IN HIS PRIME.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) June 17, 2024
“They say they don’t want me back.”
Via Brandon Aiyuk’s TikTok pic.twitter.com/cboVS7k76o
Translation, why pay Aiyuk $30 million in 2025 when they only have to pay Pearsall $3 or $4 million?
It should be noted Pearsall hasn't actually signed his contract with San Francisco yet, though there isn't massive reason for concern yet.
Assuming Pearsall gets his contract worked out without issue before the season starts, it feels like it would be a mistake to try to trade Aiyuk even if he would walk away next year for nothing. This could also just be posturing from Aiyuk in his attempts to get a massive extension.
Because with the presence of Pearsall, Kittle, Samuel, and Aiyuk, the window for the 49ers to win a Super Bowl is now.
And in the NFL, championship banners hang forever.
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