San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is someone that people are keeping a close eye on. With the first waves of the 2024 NFL Free Agency now behind us, teams are going to shift their focus to the 2024 NFL Draft and trade market.
Aiyuk is one of the players who could be on the move in the coming weeks. The 49ers would love to keep him in the fold, but it may not be monetarily possible to retain him on a long-term deal.
The team is already paying top-of-the-market contracts to several players, including running back Christian McCaffrey, tight end George Kittle, left tackle Trent Williams, linebacker Fred Warner and defensive end Joey Bosa. Fellow wide receiver Deebo Samuel also received a massive contract extension.
It will be interesting to see if the 49ers can find the means to keep Aiyuk long-term, or if they have to accept the harsh reality that they cannot afford him. If he is going to be made available, the 49ers will receive plenty of trade offers for him.
NFL News & Rumors: Brandon Aiyuk, Jacksonville Jaguars, San Francisco 49ers Updates
One team that has reportedly been engaged with them is the Jacksonville Jaguars and an asking price has been revealed. According to Mia O’Brien, via MLFootball, the 49ers asked for Zay Jones and the No. 17 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft in exchange for Aiyuk.
On top of the trade package, the Jaguars would presumably work out a long-term deal with Aiyuk to make him the No. 1 target for Trevor Lawrence for years to come. The team did add Gabe Davis in free agency but lost Calvin Ridley to the Tennessee Titans. Aiyuk would be an excellent replacement for Ridley as the No. 1 receiver, as Davis hasn’t shown enough consistently to step into such a role.
A first-round pick of the 49ers in the 202 NFL Draft, Aiyuk has established himself as a legitimate go-to receiver the last two seasons. He has recorded at least 75 receptions, 1,000 yards and seven touchdowns in back-to-back seasons and could take his production to another level as the unquestioned No. 1 target in an offense.
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