The San Francisco 49ers were reportedly interested in Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers on the trade market before giving Brandon Aiyuk a contract extension.
The 49ers contacted the Raiders regarding a trade for Meyers and were “rebuffed” by Las Vegas, according to Mike Silver of the San Francisco Chronicle.
After holding in throughout training camp as he searched for a new contract, Aiyuk eventually signed a four-year extension worth $120 million on Aug. 29.
The 26-year-old’s future in San Francisco was murky before he signed a long-term deal, as the 49ers were open to moving him. Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reported on Sept. 2 that the Pittsburgh Steelers nearly acquired Aiyuk in a trade, although the Steelers were wary about offering him a new contract.
Meyers has remained a consistent contributor for the Raiders and New England Patriots in recent years, surpassing 800 receiving yards in each of the past three seasons. He hauled in 71 receptions for 807 yards to go along with a career-high eight touchdowns during his 2023 campaign.
Meyers would have also been a cheaper alternative to Aiyuk, as he signed a three-year contract worth $33 million with Las Vegas in March 2023.
However, the potential acquisition of Meyers would have represented a downgrade from Aiyuk. The former first-round pick is coming off a breakout season, racking up 1,342 receiving yards and seven touchdowns while helping the 49ers earn a Super Bowl appearance.
Aiyuk didn’t get off to a hot start to the 2024 season, recording just 28 yards on two catches during San Francisco’s season-opening 32-19 win over the New York Jets. Meanwhile, Meyers caught three passes for 61 yards in the Raiders’ Week 1 loss against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Aiyuk will look to get back on track in the 49ers’ upcoming matchup with the Minnesota Vikings. Kickoff is on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
