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49ers Announce Plan to Replace Brandon Aiyuk With Record Deal for Former Texas A&M Star

Santa Clara, California — Just days after signs of Brandon Aiyuk’s departure became increasingly clear, the San Francisco 49ers officially unveiled their bold replacement plan: a record-setting contract for former Texas A&M standout KC Concepcion.

The move signals not only the start of a new offensive era in San Francisco, but also a clear statement that the 49ers have no intention of falling behind in the NFC — especially after the Seahawks captured a Super Bowl title inside Levi’s Stadium.

Concepcion, widely regarded as one of the most explosive wide receivers in his draft class, made a major impact at Texas A&M, posting 919 receiving yards and nine touchdowns in his final season. His speed, yards-after-catch ability, and versatility in motion concepts make him an ideal fit for head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offensive system.

According to team sources, the deal signed by Concepcion ranks among the most heavily guaranteed contracts for a late first-round selection — a strong indication that the 49ers view him as the direct successor to Aiyuk.

With Aiyuk likely on his way out amid tightening cap constraints, San Francisco faced a difficult decision. Rather than pursue a short-term stopgap, the front office chose to invest in the future. Concepcion is expected not only to replace Aiyuk’s production, but also to inject speed and unpredictability into an offense that lacked explosive plays at times last season.

Quarterback Brock Purdy has reportedly already begun early offseason throwing sessions with the rookie. A source inside the organization described Purdy as “excited” about Concepcion’s ability to separate and create space, particularly in play-action and quick-release situations.

There are still questions to answer. Concepcion faced criticism in college for occasional focus drops, and the NFL presents a much steeper learning curve. However, within Shanahan’s creative scheme and alongside veterans like George Kittle and Christian McCaffrey, the 49ers believe they can unlock his full potential.

In an increasingly competitive NFC West — especially after Seattle’s championship run — standing still is not an option. By committing to a record-level deal for the former Texas A&M star, the 49ers are sending a clear message: they are not rebuilding — they are reloading.

And if Concepcion develops as expected, the “post-Aiyuk” era may quickly become the foundation of a dynamic new chapter in the Bay Area.

Former Patriots Fourth-Round Pick Struggling in Houston Sends Emotional Message Like a Plea to Return to New England: “New England built me. Not just as a player — but as a man.”
HOUSTON — Some stories are not just about snap counts or box scores. For Jake Andrews, the 2025 season with the Houston Texans was not simply a new chapter in his career — it was a journey that made him realize the true value of the place that once believed in him: the New England Patriots. Selected by the Patriots in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft under Bill Belichick, Andrews was viewed as a long-term developmental option at center. His football intelligence, ability to read defenses, and disciplined approach made him a worthwhile investment in Foxborough. A knee injury in 2024 slowed his development. During the 2025 offseason, the Patriots decided to release him amid roster restructuring. It was a strategic decision, but for many fans, it still left a sense of regret about a player who had significant untapped potential. In Houston, Andrews received more playing opportunities — logging 1,025 snaps and starting 15 games during the 2025 season. But opportunity did not translate into a breakthrough. He struggled in pass protection, processing blitz packages, and maintaining consistency at center. Several evaluations described his performance as underwhelming. However, what caught the Patriots community’s attention was not just the statistics. It was the emotional message Andrews shared with those close to him after completing a challenging season in Texas: “New England built me. Not just as a player — but as a man. You don’t realize what home means until you’re no longer there. Foxborough will always be home to me.” For Patriots Nation, those words are not vague nostalgia. They represent recognition of the culture, discipline, and environment that helped shape a young player’s identity. In an NFL defined by constant movement, not everyone who leaves continues to carry that connection. Many have quietly interpreted the statement as a subtle plea to return to the Patriots — the place that shaped who he is. Houston may be Jake Andrews’ present. But for Patriots fans, one thing is clearer than ever: his heart still belongs to Foxborough. And sometimes, comebacks begin with words just like these.