Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
Bleacher Report proposes absurd 49ers-Jets trade involving Brandon Aiyuk
Apr 25, 2024 at 10:09 AM
•
Videos are auto-populated by an affiliate. This site has no control over the videos that appear above.
Speculation surrounding
Brandon Aiyuk will likely continue until the end of the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, which kicks off tonight. All eyes are on what the San Francisco 49ers will do at No. 31 overall and what moves they might make before then.
While general manager John Lynch assured the media this week that retaining Aiyuk is the priority, the receiver eagerly awaits the 49ers to back up their words with action, making him one of the NFL's highest-paid receivers.
One Bleacher Report writer, Ryan Fowler, proposes a trade likely to draw criticism from 49ers fans. In his analysis of one draft-day trade "that makes sense" for every team, Fowler's Aiyuk deal is perplexing. He suggests the 49ers trade Aiyuk, who led the team with a career-high 1,342 receiving yards last season, to the New York Jets for a 2024 third-round pick (No. 72) and a 2025 fourth-round pick.
If such a trade were to occur, and if the 49ers were to trade their productive star receiver for such low draft capital, fans might revolt. The trade doesn't make much sense from San Francisco's perspective, but it would indeed be a steal for the Jets.
"From San Francisco's perspective, it makes sense as the team is already paying
Deebo Samuel and
Christian McCaffrey, and QB
Brock Purdy remains eligible for an extension next offseason," Fowler explained. "And at No. 31 overall, Niners GM John Lynch could have his pick of an immensely talented second-tier of wideouts to replace Aiyuk.
"With Aaron Rodgers healthy, it wouldn't shock to see Jets GM Joe Douglas push his chips toward the middle of the table, being aggressive to add impact playmakers in whatever way possible. Adding Aiyuk without giving up Day 1 capital would be a dream scenario for Douglas."
While it might be a "dream scenario" for Douglas and the Jets, it would be a nightmare for the 49ers, who would be parting ways with Aiyuk for a below-market-value return. If the 49ers believe they can eventually sign Aiyuk to a long-term deal, it makes more sense to retain him, especially if this is the type of offer the team might receive.
Nobody's perfect. Did you find a mistake in this article?
Report it.
Facebook Comments
Do not use the comments to notify us of errors in the article. Editors may not see it. Instead, report errors here.
More San Francisco 49ers News
Ian Rapoport sends clear message regarding 49ers' Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel
One thing is clear: Ian Rapoport expects Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel to be on the San Francisco 49ers roster when the team takes the field in Week 1 of the 2024 season. At this point, most probably feel that way. The fact that both stayed with the team throughout the draft clearly signals that general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan intend to retain their two talented receivers—at least for one more season.
"Week 1 of 2024, it looks like they both will be [on the roster]," Rapoport told guest host Tom Pelissero on "The Rich Eisen Show."
However, nothing in the NFL is ever certain.
"Now, look, crazy things can happen," Rapoport continued. "Someone loses a star receiver, they decide to give the 49ers something of value for this
Terrell Owens reacts to 49ers' handling of Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel
Rumors swirled around the statuses of San Francisco 49ers wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft. In the end, both players remained on the roster, and the speculation surrounding the two star players dwindled.
While the 49ers repeatedly insisted that signing Aiyuk to a long-term deal remained the priority, there were reports of trade talks involving him and Samuel. After San Francisco drafted wide receiver Ricky Pearsall with the No. 31 overall pick, the Aiyuk trade rumors cooled off, and the Samuel ones heated up.
RELATED: John Lynch on Aiyuk, Samuel
Who's more vital to 49ers' offense: Deebo Samuel or Brandon Aiyuk?
Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk were both subjects of trade speculation before and during the draft. While the San Francisco 49ers seem poised to retain both receivers for at least one more season, their long-term futures with the team remain uncertain.
The 49ers seek to sign Aiyuk to a contract extension, which could lead to efforts to offload Samuel's salary as early as next year. However, this remains speculative as the team's brass continues to express support for both players.
RELATED: When the 49ers reportedly ceased entertaining Deebo Samuel trade offers
During a segment on NFL Network's "NFL Total Access," former NFL running back Robert
49ers GM John Lynch on Aiyuk, Samuel trade rumors: "We're past that now"
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch appears to have moved beyond the trade speculations that dominated headlines before and during the 2024 NFL Draft. He's now focused on the upcoming 2024 season and preparing his roster for a Super Bowl run. This roster is expected to include wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel unless there are significant developments.
After coming close to winning the Super Bowl last season but falling short in an overtime battle with the Kansas City Chiefs, Lynch recognizes the opportunity his team has to make another run with its core group.
"I'm doing everything in my power to keep our roster together and that's my goal," Lynch said Thursday on ESPN's "Pat McAfee Show." "And I don't question that. I've got so much
