As free agency winds down and the NFL draft approaches, the Brandon Aiyuk trade talks have begun. Because San Francisco is likely to try to deal the WR before Draft Day, conversations regarding club fits and prospective trade partners will heat up significantly.
Jacksonville has emerged as a potential suitor after losing Calvin Ridley to free agency. Pittsburgh has also emerged as a potential hypothetical destination when Aiyuk fueled trade talk with a tweet to Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin on March 19. This was Aiyuk’s first tweet since April 30, 2023.
The trade negotiations are neither unjustified nor ludicrous. Aiyuk is entering the fifth and final year of his rookie contract, and it’s unlikely he’ll play without a long-term deal. San Francisco also does not have a lot of wiggle room under the cap this season. There are ways to structure the contract so that it is less expensive in 2024 than his $14.2 million fifth-year option. More on this in a moment.
However, the 49ers’ ability to reach an agreement is far from guaranteed. They’ll have a value in mind, and if Aiyuk’s side wants more than that, San Francisco will have to deal its top wide receiver.
To clarify, the 49ers do not want to trade him. They have stated this publicly whenever anyone with ears and a pulse is present. All of the reasons that commentators, writers, and podcasters believe Aiyuk is a good fit for one team apply to the 49ers as well. He’s still only 26, but his superb hands, explosive quickness, and dynamic route tree make him one of the sport’s toughest covers. Aiyuk has also developed into a dominant run blocker, which will benefit his case with every offensive coach in the NFL.
