We are now at the deep end of the offseason as the 2024 regular season is just a few weeks away. As teams try to figure out their final rosters from what they have seen in training camp and preseason, some teams like the San Francisco 49ers are still dealing with contract standoffs.
The 49ers and their wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk’s contractual negotiations are far from being resolved. In fact, as this saga continues to drag on, it finally seems that the NFC West-based outfit is now ready to consider trading Aiyuk and move on as soon as possible.
The 49ers are a solid team and have quality players in key positions both on offense and defense. Aiyuk, however, is also one of their primary players on the offensive side of the ball, and should the 49ers trade him, it will no doubt be a huge loss. Even though San Francisco is quite deep in the receiver room, they are facing minor injury concerns, and with Aiyuk gone, a lot more pressure would come on rookie wideout Ricky Pearsall.
Moreover, the 49ers have a lot to lose, as they are a Super Bowl contending team that needs to keep the most important pieces of their roster. Asking Pearsall to get up to speed with the complicated offensive system run by head coach Kyle Shanahan is no easy task.
With that in mind, the 49ers should consider the following players as replacements if Aiyuk leaves the team.
Davante Adams, Las Vegas Raiders
As per the various reports doing rounds in the media, Aiyuk’s preferred destination is the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers and 49ers seem to have had conversations regarding a trade package in exchange for Aiyuk, but nothing has come to official fruition as of yet.
There is a theory in place in the media that San Francisco could accept draft picks in exchange from Pittsburgh and then use these picks to negotiate a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders for their wide receiver, Davante Adams.
Adams has returned to the Raiders after the birth of his child and seems to be in a good place at the moment. But, it was not too long ago that he was also looking to be traded. Anything is possible in the NFL, and pursuing a receiver such as Adams could be a good fit for both parties considering the former Packer would like to join a Super Bowl contender.
Courtland Sutton, Denver Broncos
Another player the 49ers could consider via trade is Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton. Apparently there was talk some time ago that Sutton was available for a trade, even though there are contrasting reports.
Nevertheless, this is an avenue the 49ers may pursue as Sutton, who is just 28 years old, is in his prime. He is also a physically big receiver who could provide value to the team.
Whatever San Francisco decides, their main aim for this season is to get their hands on the Lombardi Trophy, which they have come close to winning more than once in the past five years.
Want the latest NFL analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click here. Interested in reading storylines and analysis about the NBA? Check out our partner NBA Analysis Network.
