A resolution seems to be getting closer between the San Francisco 49ers and Pro Bowl wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.
Whether a long-term extension is reached, or the 49ers appear to give in to Aiyuk’s trade request, one of the bigger storylines of the offseason appears to be coming to an end soon. Should the Arizona State product get traded, though, who and what could a deal look like in the coming days?
Ranking Most Likely Suitors for Brandon Aiyuk
The big part of any incoming deal between the 49ers and Aiyuk is that the receiver needs to approve any trade partner that agrees to San Francisco’s demands. According to Denver Broncos beat reporter Ben Allbright, Aiyuk has already nixed a couple of trades because of that.
And has… https://t.co/F2iJekAFjs
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) August 5, 2024
Regardless, there are a few teams that Aiyuk would welcome a trade to at this point, and while no trade has officially been made, the wheels are turning on a potential move.
No, Brandon Aiyuk wasn’t traded this afternoon.
Yes, there are signs that could change as the saga continues in San Francisco. @MikeGarafolo and I had some things to say about it on The Insiders on @nflnetwork: pic.twitter.com/DHN97yoA78
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 5, 2024
Let’s take a look at which teams make the most sense, and what a future deal could look like.
1. Pittsburgh Steelers
The 49ers may be wanting a first-round selection tied to any trade for Aiyuk, but if they had gotten that in the first place, the move would have already been agreed to. While the Steelers were always seen as a team interested in Aiyuk, it’s only come to light in the last few days that they were seen as the leading franchise to get the Pro Bowler. Aiyuk’s relationship with head coach Mike Tomlin is a big reason why.
Potential Trade Offer: Steelers send 2025 second-round pick, 2026 second-round pick; 49ers send Aiyuk
2. Washington Commanders
For the longest time, it appeared that Aiyuk’s personal relationship with Jayden Daniels from their time at Arizona State was enough to entice the star wide receiver to make the move to the nation’s capital. Now, it seems like Washington is firmly in second place in this race. It also doesn’t help that the 49ers would rather send Aiyuk to the AFC than give a potential playoff opponent a good player.
Potential Trade Offer: Commanders send 2025 second-round pick, 2026 third-round pick; 49ers send Aiyuk
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3. New England Patriots
This is the deal that the 49ers could make that would make them sleep easier at night. The Patriots are years away from being contenders again, and the 49ers could have their next star receiver by that point. New England also has the cap space needed to give Aiyuk the kind of long-term extension he’s looking for. The lack of a proven quarterback hurts their chances, though.
Potential Trade Offer: Patriots send 2025 second-round pick, 2026 second-round pick, 2027 second-round pick; 49ers send Aiyuk
4. Las Vegas Raiders
Probably the most intriguing part of any Aiyuk trade to Las Vegas is the return. Vegas could look to get younger at the receiver position with Aiyuk and give the 49ers a proven star in Davante Adams. Should that trade happen, the Raiders would get a good locker room guy who has Antonio Pierce’s respect, and the 49ers would remain a top contender for the 2024 season.
Potential Trade Offer: Raiders send Davante Adams, fourth-round pick; 49ers send Aiyuk, fifth-round pick
5. New York Jets
New York is all in on this season, so why not go all-in for a top receiver to pair with Garrett Wilson? Aiyuk would get to play with a Hall of Fame quarterback, and New York would be expected to move quickly to lock him up for a long-term deal. This is the biggest long shot of any team on here, but it’s not too outlandish to work.
Potential Trade Offer: Jets send 2025 first-round pick; 49ers send Aiyuk