San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has been floated in NFL trade rumors throughout the offseason, with the Jacksonville Jaguars among the NFL teams interested in acquiring him. If any team wants to land the top receiver, however, it will reportedly come at a very high price.
While the 49ers want to keep Aiyuk, the team faces significant hurdles to keep him long-term. The former first-round pick has become one of the best wide receivers in the NFL and heading into a contract year, he wants to become one of the highest-paid NFL players.
- Brandon Aiyuk contract: $14.124 million salary in 2024, 2025 NFL free agent
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For as much as San Francisco values Aiyuk’s route-running and playmaking, he is just a piece in their offense. In Kyle Shanahan’s system, All-Pro tight end George Kittle, running back Christian McCaffrey and All-Pro offensive weapon Deebo Samuel have proven to be more integral to the unit’s success. Plus, with players like quarterback Brock Purdy headed for contract extensions by 2025, San Francisco can’t keep everyone.
At a time when Calvin Ridley is landing a multi-year deal worth $23 million annually through NFL free agency, the 49ers’ front office realizes now might be the best time to move Aiyuk to maximize his value. Jacksonville is among the NFL teams with reported interest, but apparently not at San Francisco’s price.
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- Brandon Aiyuk stats (2022-23): 153 receptions, 2,357 receiving yards, 15.4 yards per reception, 15 touchdowns, 10.8 yards per target in 33 games played
According to Mia O’Brien of 92.5 FM, the 49ers wanted the 17th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft along with wide receiver Zay Jones in exchange for Aiyuk. It’s that cost paired with the need to extend Aiyuk’s contract that reportedly resulted in negotiations fizzling out.
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While Aiyuk hasn’t made the Pro Bowl thus far in his career, the 26-year-old is widely regarded as one of the best wide receivers in the NFL right now. He is one of the best route-runners in the NFL, highlighted in part by his posting the third-highest yards per route run (3.18) and the second-highest yards per team pass attempt (2.96) last season, according to Player Profiler.
Aiyuk would’ve immediately become the top receiver in Jacksonville, emerging as the go-to target for quarterback Trevor Lawrence and providing a talent upgrade over Ridley. However, following the investments made in center Mitch Morse, defensive tackle Arik Armstead and wide receiver Gabe Davis, it appears the chances of Aiyuk being traded to Jacksonville now are very low.
