Aiyuk signed a four-year, 12.5 million contract with the 49ers on Friday, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

EDGE Analysis

Aiyuk, who the team selected 25th overall this past April, was added to help fill the void created by the offseason departure of Emmanuel Sanders. With Deebo Samuel now dealing with a foot injury that could impact his early-season status, the rookie could see a bigger role out of the gate than originally anticipated. Though Aiyuk's 4.5 time in the 40-yard dash wasn't anything special, the 6-foot, 200-pounder does possess short-area explosiveness and displayed both big-play and after-the-catch ability at Arizona State. With an opportunity to see meaningful snaps from the get-go, Aiyuk's fantasy stock is on the rise.

With Deebo Samuel recovering from foot surgery, the 49ers may need to give Aiyuk a bigger role than initially planned early in the season, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Aiyuk and Samuel both are known for their prowess picking up yards after the catch, a trait that's especially valuable in Kyle Shanahan's horizontally oriented offense. The rookie first-round pick already had a decent shot to earn a starting job before the Samuel injury, as he was supposed to compete for snaps with the likes of Kendrick Bourne, Trent Taylor, Jalen Hurd and Dante Pettis. While Samuel expects to complete his rehab process in approximately 10 weeks, other reports put the estimate anywhere between two and four months. Meanwhile, Aiyuk has been medically cleared from the core muscle surgery he had in early April, presumably leaving him ready for full participation whenever the 49ers are able to practice.

Aiyuk (abdomen) has been medically cleared, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 49ers made Aiyuk the 25th pick of the 2020 draft less than three weeks after he had core muscle surgery. He seems to have made a quick recovery, as he's already working out with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and other teammates at San Jose State. The rookie should be ready for the start of training camp later this summer, hoping to earn a starting job across from Deebo Samuel at wide receiver.

Aiyuk (core muscle surgery) will have to compete for a significant role on offense during training camp, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 49ers traded up to select Aiyuk with the 25th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, but he isn't guaranteed a starting job out of the gate even with the departure of 2019 starter Emmanuel Sanders. The 22-year-old will have to prove himself in camp and quickly learn coach Kyle Shanahan's offensive scheme in order to earn snaps alongside Deebo Samuel over experienced receivers Kendrick Bourne (outside) and Trent Taylor (slot). Aiyuk also has a core muscle injury to overcome once organized team activities get under way. The rookie wideout possesses big-play potential with his after-the-catch abilities, which could lead to quick fantasy relevance once he earns a significant role.

The 49ers selected Aiyuk (core muscle surgery) in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, 25th overall.

EDGE Analysis

San Francisco moved up from pick 31 to 25 to get its receiver of choice after a bit of a run at the position. The 49ers lost Emmanuel Sanders in free agency and had questionable depth at that position beyond Deebo Samuel coming into Thursday. Aiyuk was a big-play receiver at Arizona State, averaging 18.3 yards per reception in 2019 and proving to be a problem for defenses after the catch. He doesn't have standout speed with a 4.5 40-yard dash, but his top-notch jumps, including a 40-inch vertical, underline his short-area explosiveness. Aiyuk adds another physical presence at wideout for the 49ers alongside Samuel. It's worth noting that he underwent core muscle surgery in April, so his availability for the start of training camp will be something to monitor.