San Francisco 49ers Star Wide Receiver Brandon Aiyuk Granted Permission to Explore Trade Options
NFL insider Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported that Brandon Aiyuk, a star wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers, has been granted permission to gauge interest from other clubs regarding a potential trade. Florio clarified that Aiyuk is not requesting a trade himself but has been given clearance to see if any teams are willing to make a deal with the 49ers.
Aiyuk is entering the final year of his rookie contract and has emerged as a key target for quarterback Brock Purdy. In the past regular season, he led the team in receptions (75), targets (105), and receiving yards (1,342). He also tied for the team lead in touchdown receptions (7).
The 49ers have reportedly rejected at least one offer for Aiyuk earlier in the offseason, including one from the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, Florio suggests that the 49ers may be open to trading Aiyuk before or during the NFL Draft, which begins on Thursday night.
The 49ers could potentially land a draft pick similar to what the Tennessee Titans received for A.J. Brown if they decide to trade Aiyuk. The Titans traded Brown to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for the No. 18 and No. 101 picks of the 2022 draft.
The 49ers have made three straight conference championship games and played in the Super Bowl this past February. They may be looking to replace Aiyuk with someone who can contribute immediately this fall as they aim for another playoff run.
However, Florio notes that the 49ers should hope to work things out with Aiyuk considering his proven value. San Francisco is expected to make another playoff run, and Aiyuk could be a key part of that success. As of Monday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook listed the Niners second among the betting favorites at +600 odds to win Super Bowl LIX in February 2025.
With that said, the 49ers may have to give Purdy a significant pay raise next offseason. The team’s front office could feel that replacing Aiyuk with a cheaper alternative is the right move for the franchise’s future beyond the 2024 campaign.
