NFL Rumors: Ex-Patriots Wideout Was Brandon Aiyuk Backup Plan For 49ers

The 49ers reportedly had a backup plan in case they missed out on Brandon Aiyuk in the 2020 NFL Draft.

According to a report from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the 49ers were interested in former Patriots wide receiver N'Keal Harry if Aiyuk was not available.

Aiyuk was the 49ers' first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, and he is expected to be a key part of their offense in the years to come.

Harry, on the other hand, was a first-round pick by the Patriots in the 2019 NFL Draft. He has not lived up to expectations in New England, and he was traded to the Bears in March of 2022.

It is unclear why the 49ers were interested in Harry, but it is possible that they saw him as a potential replacement for Emmanuel Sanders, who left the team in free agency in 2020.

Harry is a big-bodied receiver with good hands, but he has struggled to create separation from defenders and make big plays. He has also been inconsistent with his production.

It is possible that the 49ers were hoping that Harry would be able to develop into a more consistent and productive receiver in their system.

However, the 49ers ultimately decided to draft Aiyuk, who is a more polished and NFL-ready receiver. Aiyuk had a breakout season in 2021, and he is expected to be a major contributor to the 49ers' offense in 2022.

Harry, meanwhile, is still trying to find his place in the NFL. He has shown flashes of potential, but he has not been able to consistently produce. It is possible that he will be able to turn his career around with the Bears, but he has a lot to prove.