San Francisco’s discourse in 2024 has focused on the 49ers receivers and whether Deebo Samuel or Brandon Aiyuk will be dealt with before or during the 2024 NFL season. Conflicting reports have surfaced on the Aiyuk trade rumors specifically since he is an unrestricted free agent in 2025.
While the rumors have been rampant this offseason, there is no timetable for a deadline for a trade taking place unless Aiyuk holds out past the mandatory minicamp into training camp. Aiyuk was not at the mandatory minicamp sessions last week and is subject to fines. This could be the start of a long push and pull between player and team before one side cracks and gives in.
If Brandon Aiyuk were to be made available, which teams would make the most sense to pursue him via trade?
Is Brandon Aiyuk Worth Top Money at the Position for San Francisco?
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The re-signing of Juan Jennings and drafting of first-round pick Ricky Pearsall in 2024 signal potential movement upcoming for Brandon Aiyuk. On the fifth-year option, the 26-year-old second-team All-Pro will be making $14.124 million, according to Spotrac. The former first-rounder from 2020 is coming off a breakout 2023 and back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons.
In 2022 and 2023, Aiyuk had over 75 receptions and over seven touchdowns in both seasons as a top-tier number-two receiver in San Francisco. However, when Samuel was injured, he was the number one target for the 49ers and can be for other teams lacking that big play threat on the outside. Aiyuk has the potential to be even better with an expanded role in 2024 and beyond.
Will a Holdout Take Place this Offseason for the 49ers Star?
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In a TikTok video on Facetime from Brandon Aiyuk himself, he claims the 49ers do not want him back, telling fellow former Arizona State teammate Jayden Daniels, now the quarterback of the Commanders. This refutes other reports saying San Francisco wants him on the team, but not at the price that he’s currently seeking, according to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer.
“There’s a lot of noise out there (most of it uninformed) about the San Francisco 49ers’ position on receiver Brandon Aiyuk and the possibility that things are devolving to the point where the second-team All-Pro could be traded. I wouldn’t listen to that. Not yet, at least.”
If the superstar wide receiver is dealt, many teams could use his service, but five, in particular, have had some ties to Brandon Aiyuk throughout the process.
Five Teams That Should Pursue Superstar Wide Receiver
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The teams that make the most sense with the cap space, according to Over The Cap, to afford Brandon Aiyuk include New England, Washington, Arizona, and Las Vegas. The Patriots have the youngest, unproven core, while the Commanders, Cardinals, and Raiders would get a massive boost to their wide receiver, two positions that lack the weapons to compete.
Pittsburgh has had the biggest ties to him pre-draft, along with enough salary cap to extend the young receiver.
They traded away Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers and currently have a huge void next to George Pickens. Aiyuk with the Steelers would give them the firepower to compete in a tough AFC North division with either Russell Wilson or Justin Fields.
About the Author
Previously wrote for Fansided NFL Mocks, Pro Football Network, uInterview and uSports, The Crafty Kit, The Daily Culture, and Ironiq Media. Recent Journalism/ Media Studies Grad and wrote for Impact News, the award-winning news publication of Mercy College, now Mercy University.
Now writing for Total Apex, mostly sports like the NFL, college football, the NFL draft, and fantasy football, along with covering my favorite team, the Baltimore Ravens. Also writing for Total Apex E&G about my favorite movies, shows, anime, and sometimes gaming.
You can follow me on Instagram @kimandrew1357, on YouTube @andrewkim1357, and on Twitter (aka X) @kookykim1357.
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