Top NFL trade asset wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk could be available during this year’s draft next month. According to one report, the San Francisco 49ers are keeping the door open for a trade that would involve sending Aiyuk to a new team after trading wide receiver Deebo Samuel. Aiyuk signed a long-term extension last year with the team after stalling contract talks, but the wideout hasn’t been playing up to standards the past season, suffering a season-ending injury. The 49ers are not happy, and that should be a clear indication that since they’re probably heading towards another rebuild, the team will most likely trade Aiyuk and draft a wide receiver.
Originally selected in the 2020 NFL Draft, the former Arizona State product sat out for mandatory camp at the beginning of workouts, which have been triggering the 49ers to rush to make a deal happen. Aiyuk did admit he was a little hard on the team to get a deal through, but San Francisco could be regretting that decision as they face a deadline next month. The former All-Pro has guarantees on his contract that would pay him over $22 million before the draft this year, so it shouldn’t be surprising if they trade him before that happens. Despite that, it could take some time since the 49ers will want some viable returns for Aiyuk and these five teams could make it happen.
Top NFL Trade Asset Brandon Aiyuk Could Be Available During Draft – 5 Best Team Fits
Potential Trade Destinations
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers need a long-term answer at the wide receiver position for quarterback Justin Herbert to push this team to their full potential. The recent signing of Mike Williams is only a band-aid to the bigger issue they have, as 2024 draft pick Ladd McConkey is the only set of reliable hands. This could be Quentin Johnston’s last season in Los Angeles, so head coach Jim Harbaugh needs to maximize Herbert while he’s in his prime if they have Super Bowl aspirations. Brandon Aiyuk could be their primary target to finally restore the depleting pass catcher department the team has been dealing with for the past season.
Baltimore Ravens
The same can be said about the Baltimore Ravens, even though they’re signing DeAndre Hopkins. Zay Flowers was and has been the only consistent receiver for Lamar Jackson, while Rashod Bateman has his moments of inconsistency. There’s no word on what will happen with Nelson Agholor, but the team should sign Aiyuk as a long-term investment to push when they share a division with Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen.
Kansas City Chiefs
As for the Chiefs, the team is in a “playing it by ear” situation as Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice have been dealing with off-field issues. While they did retain Marquise Brown, it might be just that one year he stays before he decides to join another contender next year if the Chiefs fail in the Super Bowl again. The 49ers probably won’t trade Aiyuk to the Chiefs, considering their history, but if they’re desperate and at the right price, it could happen.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints are at risk of losing Chris Olave, as he may request a trade if the team doesn’t improve. Brandin Cooks coming back won’t make much of a difference, and Rashid Shaheed has his bright spots, and it’s nothing that could help Derek Carr lead this team. Head Coach Kellen Moore could finally come in and tell Mickey Loomis it’s time to rebuild, and as long as he agrees, Brandon Aiyuk could be an exciting addition for Olave to stay.
Carolina Panthers
Meanwhile, the Panthers need a capable veteran other than Adam Thielen who can help Bryce Young. Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker are the future, but no one has seen what they could do in the long term. Aiyuk joining Carolina could be a fresh breath of air for the team.
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