It's clear the 49ers are relying on Pearsall to become Aiyuk's successor in the receiving corps — this season and in the future.

"It's actually hard to fathom how much money Brandon Aiyuk is giving away."

It has been nearly 14 months since the Pro Bowler last appeared in a game for the Niners. His 2024 season ended prematurely with the torn ACL, but he was expected to come back this season and provide the downfield threat that earned him his four-year, $120 million contract, which was acquired in its own contentious process.