NFL Fact or Fiction: 49ers Better Pay for That Lamborghini

Aiyuk might not be the best skill player on his team which also features Christian McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel, but he might be the most important player to Brock Purdy, the 49ers’ young star quarterback who is known for occasional erratic performances. Aiyuk is an elite route runner, and his ability to quickly get open and make plays has helped Purdy find his rhythm early in games. If the 49ers trade Aiyuk because of the contract dispute, the team runs the risk of hurting Purdy’s growth heading into his third NFL season. 

Sure, the 49ers have some leverage because they drafted Ricky Pearsall in the first round and there’s plenty of depth at pass catcher with Samuel, Jauan Jennings and tight end George Kittle. But Aiyuk is their best wide receiver coming off a breakout 2023 season in which he caught 75 passes for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns. The 49ers need Aiyuk for Purdy and their Super Bowl hopes this season. They better pay for that Lamborghini or the Detroit Lions might be the best team in the NFC.  

The NFL needs to host a draft at the Sphere in Las Vegas 

Manzano’s view: Fact

Hockey fans managed to boo NHL commissioner Gary Bettman during the draft in Las Vegas last week, despite the amazing visuals on display with the Sphere serving as the backdrop. It was a beautiful distraction and something the NFL needs to strongly consider doing in the near future.  

It might be a while, because the NFL draft is headed to Green Bay next year and Pittsburgh the following year. But here’s hoping the NFL draft returns to Las Vegas in 2027 and allows the Sphere to work its magic during the three-day event. Just imagine Roger Goodell getting booed with the Sphere beaming behind him with visuals two times better than 8K cameras or whatever is the latest technology in three years.  

The Dallas Cowboys need to pay their cheerleaders better

Manzano’s view: Fact 

Many were outraged to learn about the sacrifices and little pay the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders were forced to endure to make their dreams come true. A scene from the Netflix reality show America’s Sweethearts went viral after one of the Cowboys’ cheerleaders said they make the same amount of money as fast food workers and substitute teachers. Many of the cheerleaders have two jobs to keep up with bills, while others aren’t able to work for long stretches because of the injuries that occur while performing on game days.  

With many upset, hopefully this is the start of NFL cheerleaders getting better pay because doing it solely out of passion isn’t right, especially when the employer is worth billions. Charlotte Jones, daughter of team owner Jerry Jones and the Cowboys’ executive vice president and chief brand officer, didn’t have the best response when asked about the lack of pay for the cheerleaders.

“They have a passion for dance,” she said. “There are not a lot of opportunities in the field of dance, and to get to perform at an elite level. … It is about being a part of something bigger than themselves.”

Yikes. Pay the cheerleaders better because it’s long overdue.   

Caleb Williams should be the heavy favorite for OROY

Manzano’s view: Fiction

I’m high on Williams and the Chicago Bears, but this is more about Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders needing to get more attention before the 2024 season. 

For whatever reason, football pundits aren’t as high on the Commanders as I am, but at least my colleague Conor Orr showed Daniels some love with his 100 bold predictions, saying the 2024 No. 2 pick will win Offensive Rookie of the Year. Also, don’t count out Raiders tight end Brock Bowers and Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. Should be a fun race for OROY this season.