A blockbuster trade proposal has the San Francisco 49ers dealing superstar wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk to a young, up-and-coming AFC team.
Aiyuk has been mentioned in trade rumors in recent weeks as he heads into the final season of his rookie deal. The 49ers haven’t indicated that they’re shopping Aiyuk, but as we all know, most NFL players are available via trade if the price is right.
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox proposed a “dream” trade scenario for all 32 teams this offseason. For the Las Vegas Raiders, Knox made the case for them to trade Davante Adams and replace him with Aiyuk:
“Aiyuk, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract, could be on the move if the 49ers decide they can’t afford to extend him. He does not appear to be adamant about remaining in San Francisco.
Would acquiring Aiyuk be costly? Sure. Given the going rate of top receivers—A.J. Brown and Marquise Brown both commanded first-round picks in 2022—the Raiders may have to package their second-round pick along with a future first-rounder to secure a deal. Las Vegas probably isn’t parting with the 13th overall pick.
However, moving Adams would allow the Raiders to recoup some draft capital while clearing enough future salary to sign Aiyuk to a lucrative extension.”
Last week, 49ers GM John Lynch emphasized that the 49ers want to keep Aiyuk long-term. But don’t forget that Mike Vrabel vowed during the 2022 offseason that the Tennessee Titans wouldn’t trade A.J. Brown. Or when the New York Giants promised that they wouldn’t trade Odell Beckham Jr. in 2019. And we know what wound up with the both of them.
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So the 49ers could be open to dealing Aiyuk if the two sides can’t reach an agreement on a long-term deal. The 2024 NFL Draft is also loaded with dynamic WR prospects, and the 49ers would be in position to get one with the No. 31 pick.
Regardless, the likely outcome is that Aiyuk ends up staying with the 49ers. The Raiders could definitely use a star wideout of his caliber, but their main goals for now should be to address the quarterback room and the offensive line.
