Will 49ers Regret Trading Brandon Aiyuk? (NFL)
NFL

Will 49ers Regret Trading Brandon Aiyuk?

Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
author image

The San Francisco 49ers are expected to trade superstar wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and either Pittsburgh or Cleveland are considered the likely destinations. The 49ers are making a mistake by not signing Aiyuk to a long-term extension.

Aiyuk exploded to enjoy a career-best season in 2023. The former first-round pick posted personal highs in receiving yards (1,342) and yards per catch (17.9) via 75 receptions. Aiyuk's 17.9 yards per catch was the second-highest mark in the league, trailing just George Pickens (18.1) in that department. He also scored seven touchdowns, one off his previous best mark (8 in 2022).

Aiyuk is understandably displeased with the current state of his contract as a result. The former Arizona State standout has been a “hold-in” at training camp, meaning he’s physically present to avoid being fined but not actively participating. He's currently scheduled to play out the 2024 season on the fifth-year option, the final year of his rookie contract, which pays him a fully guaranteed $14.1 million. It's considerably less than Aiyuk deserves given that receivers of his caliber earn $30-plus million annually nowadays.

The 49ers have been unwilling to meet Aiyuk’s significant, but fair, asking price. General manager John Lynch is concerned with the team’s future financials. The franchise is set to be $38 million over the cap next season, according to Over The Cap’s “effective cap space” calculator. That doesn’t take a Brock Purdy extension into account, with the quarterback likely positioned to sign an extension next offseason that surpasses $50 million annually.

San Francisco's concerns are valid, though it's worth noting the Browns are in an even worse financial situation. Their "effective cap space" next offseason is $59.8 million in the red. That hasn't prevented Cleveland general manager Andrew Berry from allegedly trying to acquire Aiyuk, which should signal to San Francisco just how special Aiyuk is.

An Aiyuk trade has officially reached "when" not "if" status. His departure could deliver a significant blow to San Francisco's offense. A once-deep offensive cast becomes significantly more questionable. They'll become a top-heavy offense, relying on Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, and Deebo Samuel. Those top three options are still better than most NFL offenses can boast, but it's worth acknowledging there are some injury concerns. Samuel played through shoulder and hamstring injuries last season, and Kittle has been an annually banged-up guy. Having (past tense?) Aiyuk to alleviate that pressure was a massive luxury that is being lost.

Will a young wide receiver step up? The 49ers were aware of Aiyuk's contract-related standoff in April when they drafted former Florida Gators wideout Ricky Pearsall with their first-round selection. Pearsall possesses an exciting athletic profile and was considered a route-running technician in college, but his training camp performance has left much to be desired thus far, with the rookie pass-catcher struggling to get off coverage.

The other receivers in question to inherit some of Aiyuk's workload are Ronnie Bell and Jauan Jennings. Neither option should generate much confidence. Jennings is a fine rotational player who excels as a blocker, and Bell is a sophomore seventh-rounder who played 183 offensive snaps last season.

Aiyuk is a legitimate top-10 receiver in the league entering his prime age (26). It's a shame the 49ers couldn't figure out the math to retain him. Aiyuk's departure will deliver a significant blow to the offense.



Loading...
Privacy Policy

© Copyright 2025 The Draft Network