49ers GM John Lynch on Aiyuk, Samuel trade rumors: 'We're past that now'

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch appears to have moved beyond the trade speculations that dominated headlines before and during the 2024 NFL Draft. He's now focused on the upcoming 2024 season and preparing his roster for a Super Bowl run. This roster is expected to include wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel unless there are significant developments.

After coming close to winning the Super Bowl last season but falling short in an overtime battle with the Kansas City Chiefs, Lynch recognizes the opportunity his team has to make another run with its core group.

"I'm doing everything in my power to keep our roster together and that's my goal," Lynch said Thursday on ESPN's "Pat McAfee Show." "And I don't question that. I've got so much belief, when you talk about guys like Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo. They're guys we drafted. They're guys we take a lot of pride in what they've become, who they've become, and we couldn't be more proud of those guys."

Multiple reports before and during the draft indicated that the 49ers were fielding calls from teams interested in their two star receivers. Nothing materialized from those talks.

"And so, during the course of drafts and offseasons, do conversations happen? Absolutely they do," Lynch continued. "We're past that now and we're thrilled to add to that group—Jauan Jennings, Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, Chris Conley, Ronnie Bell, Danny Gray. And now you add Ricky Pearsall, Jake Cowing; I think we made an already strong group even stronger."