A fascinating trade proposal has the San Francisco 49ers dealing Brandon Aiyuk to a rebuilding AFC team in a blockbuster three-way move involving another NFC contender.
Brandon Aiyuk has been the subject of trade rumors for the majority of the 2024 NFL offseason. The 2020 first-round pick is entering the final year of his rookie deal, and there’s no indicator that the two sides are close to reaching an agreement on an extension.
Aiyuk himself has also posted several cryptic messages on social media, leading fans to believe he’s hinting at an inevitable trade out of San Francisco.
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox proposed a mammoth three-team trade that has the 49ers sending Brandon Aiyuk to the New England Patriots.
In Knox’s proposal, the Pats would send star pass rusher Matthew Judon to the Atlanta Falcons, while San Fran would receive Mike Hughes from Atlanta, their 2025 third-round pick and New England’s 2025 first-round pick:
“This trade would strengthen Atlanta’s chances of making a run in the NFC South and net the 49ers a solid return for Aiyuk. The Patriots, meanwhile, would get a No. 1-caliber receiver to aid the development of rookie quarterback Drake Maye. With $43.3 million in cap space available, New England could afford to give Aiyuk the long-term extension he is seeking.”
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The Patriots haven’t had a player hit 1,000 yards receiving in a season since 2019, when Julian Edelman hit the feat. Pass-catcher has been a weakness for a while, so New England could definitely use a playmaker like Aiyuk.
Atlanta also hasn’t had a player hit double-digit sacks in a season since 2016 (Vic Beasley). Judon has posted 32 sacks in 38 games with the Patriots, so he would fill a pressing need in Knox’s proposal.
The 49ers will open their 2024 season with a Monday night contest against a familiar foe, Aaron Rodgers, and his New York Jets.
Brandon Aiyuk Is Coming Off A Career Year
Whether the contract comes from the 49ers or somebody else, Aiyuk has set himself up for a massive payday following a career year.
Despite playing in an offense with three other superstars in Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle and Deebo Samuel, Aiyuk had his best season in 2023 with 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns.
