49ers GM Lynch disputes Aiyuk trade reports

Trading Brandon Aiyuk may be a hot topic for some, but not the 49ers.

General manager John Lynch, speaking at the NFL owners’ meeting in Orlando, Fla., disputed reports that the 49ers are discussing any potential trade of Aiyuk.

“We’re actively talking to Brandon and trying to figure something out,” Lynch told Bay Area media, in an interview posted by The Athletic. “We have a good history of working with the guys we want to get done, to get something done. It takes two sides. So can we do that? We’ll see.”

Aiyuk, after posting a second straight season of over 1,000 receiving yards, is slated to make $14.1 million this year under the fifth-year option that closes out his rookie contract. Lynch said the 49ers are OK with Aiyuk playing at that salary.

Aiyuk, however, is seeking greater financial security and a multi-year contract that aligns with other receivers atop the NFL’s pay grade, at about $25 million annually.

Not long after Lynch spoke, Aiyuk used emojis on an Instagram story that essentially translated to: “Money talks, B.S. walks.”

Lynch acknowledged that contract talks would be difficult but the 49ers have overcome similar plights in past years en route to extending homegrown players, such as George Kittle, Fred Warner, Deebo Samuel and Nick Bosa.

“Are the trials in those things? Sometimes there are,” Lynch said. “But ultimately that’s all forgotten when you get something done, and I hope that’s the case here.”

Rumors swirled last week that the Pittsburgh Steelers could be vying for Aiyuk, who addressed a social-media post to Steelers coach Mike Tomlin if he thought they looked like twins.