One of the NFL’s offseason’s unresolved issues took a new turn Tuesday when receiver Brandon Aiyuk, unhappy with his lack of a contract extension, Reportedly demanded a trade from San Francisco 49ers.
It’s rare to see a player as talented as Aiyuk available (or not), and he had 75 catches for 1,342 yards in a 49ers offense that was well-oiled last season. Justin Jefferson He recently signed a record-setting contract worth $35 million per season, and while it’s unlikely Aiyuk will be able to match that, his extension would be huge.
If Aiyuk were to move, it would be an unusual move during the transitional season in mid-to-late July. The most likely destinations for Aiyuk are:
San Francisco 49ers
There’s a reason Aiyuk wasn’t traded during the offseason. The 49ers are one of the favorites to win the Super Bowl after losing in overtime last season. Aiyuk is one of their best players. Aiyuk wants a new contract and got it, but he doesn’t have a ton of leverage. The most likely outcome is that the 49ers take a hard line with Aiyuk, who will earn just over $14.1 million on the fifth-year option on his rookie contract, effectively forcing him to play for the 49ers this season. Aiyuk won’t be happy, but his motivation will be to make a big splash and become a free agent (or earn the franchise tag, which would likely put him in contention for the next round).
The 49ers are a better team with Aiyuk in the mix. The draft picks they would get in the trade wouldn’t help them this season as they try to make a Super Bowl run. Just because Aiyuk asked for a trade doesn’t mean it’s going to happen. Probably. San Francisco The company will do everything in its power to work things out with Aiyuk for one more season, but hopefully his unhappiness doesn’t detract from what could be a special season.
Aiyuk’s relationship with the Commanders continued throughout the offseason. He with friends Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels Memories from my time at Arizona State University. According to OverTheCap.com:As of now, the Commanders have the second-most effective salary-cap space in the NFL at just over $37 million. A potential issue is that the Commanders’ draft picks could be very valuable next season (they selected No. 2 overall in April), and a rebuilding team might be hesitant to give up a lot of picks and a huge contract for Aiyuk. But if the 49ers were to move Aiyuk, the Commanders would seem the most natural fit. It would be appealing to think of Daniels and Aiyuk growing together.
Steelers have big need for receivers after trade Dionta JohnsonIt’s basically George Pickens There isn’t much else.
of The team’s quarterback situation is uncertain long term.But having Aiyuk on the roster would make the Steelers that much more attractive to any quarterback going forward. Traded a high pick For established players. Aiyuk himself speculated. If he were to be traded, the Steelers could be a destination, as Pittsburgh also leads the league in cap space in 2025 and 2026, so a big, long-term extension wouldn’t be too difficult for the Steelers to secure.
The Patriots gave chase. Calvin RidleyBut Ridley Tennessee TitansThe Patriots didn’t make any big acquisitions at receiver in free agency, and according to OverTheCap.com, they have the most available cap space in the NFL with $43.8 million. New EnglandThe Warriors’ challenges are similar to the Commanders’ in that they have a 2025 draft pick that will likely be made early and they have too many holes on their roster to spend much draft capital, but they need talent around their rookie quarterback. Drake May True No. 1 receivers are hard to find, and Aiyuk is just 26 and would be a nice addition to a New England offense in desperate need of playmakers.
Let’s go crazy and do something. The Lions have a shot at a Super Bowl in the next season or two, so why not add a receiver who would be a great fit for the team? Amon Ra Saint BrownThe issue is the cap. The Lions are in good shape right now ($34.6 million in cap space), but they signed quarterback St. Brown to a big contract this offseason. Jared Goff Offensive Tackle Penei SewellIt’s hard to figure out how to keep Aiyuk under the cap long term, but this is probably a more interesting matchup than any other. Detroit has questions at receiver outside of St. Brown, and Aiyuk would be the obvious answer. With Aiyuk, the Lions would be Super Bowl contenders. That’s unlikely to happen, but we can dream.
