Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is available for trade by the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a 2024 first-round
pick, but the 49ers have high demands that opposing teams must match in order to complete a deal.
After San Francisco’s overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII in February, there was allegedly
animosity between the 26-year-old and the team. Aiyuk’s camp was upset with how he was being used because he
only caught three catches for 49 yards in the 25-22 loss.
In an enigmatic Instagram Story, Aiyuk remarked, “Remember what brought you there.” Rochelle Searight, his
girlfriend, then posted a follow-up on TikTok, saying, “This may be the last time that Brandon and I set foot in Levi’s
Stadium. since the following season we might not be here.”
But because San Francisco selected Aiyuk’s fifth-year option, which guarantees him a $14 million contract year, he is
not a free agent this offseason and can only leave the 49ers through a trade.
The Athletic reports that San Francisco will consider trade offers for Aiyuk during the first round of the NFL Draft
next month, with that round serving as their asking price. Like they did with Deebo Samuel when they received offers
from the Detroit Lions and the New York Jets, they are not desperate, though, and they won’t let him go for less than
they want.
It appears that the New England Patriots and the Pittsburgh Steelers, who recently acquired two quarterbacks in
Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, are both interested in signing Aiyuk. The Patriots, who now own the third overall
pick in the NFL Draft, are probably going to select a quarterback, and Jayden Daniels of LSU is a prime candidate.
They may also think about utilizing their future draft picks to entice the 49ers to deal and provide an offensive
weapon to any potential rookie quarterback.
The Steelers, meanwhile, are ranked 20th after the first round. Pittsburgh is projected by NFL.com to choose
Oklahoma offensive tackle Tyler Guyton in the first round.
Other teams, such as the Jacksonville Jaguars, who are in need of a receiver and are now 17th in the standings, may
also choose to enter the battle for Aiyuk. The Tennessee Titans claimed Calvin Ridley from the team, but Gabe Davis,
a former Buffalo Bills wide receiver, was added.
In 2024, the Jaguars may be in danger if they continue to play with Gabe Davis, Zay Jones, and Christian Kirk.
Aiyuk, who averages roughly 100 targets every season on average, may be a huge asset to Trevor Lawrence’s attack.
