6 NFL Teams Brandon Aiyuk Would Explode with If 49ers Trade WR in Offseason
The San Francisco 49ers have work to do before the new league year begins on March 13, including improving a cap situation that is projected to have just $570,837 in salary space. Determining the future of wideout Brandon Aiyuk will be part of the equation.
Aiyuk is entering the final year of his contract and is scheduled to carry a $14.1 million cap hit. Back in November, ESPN's Nick Wagoner reported that the 49ers had no interest in trading Aiyuk, but things may have changed since then.
Aiyuk's girlfriend, Rochelle Searight, and former teammate, Draysean Hudson, both recently took to social media to suggest that the talented wideout could be on the move. Aiyuk has done little himself to quiet trade speculation.
"If that's the right move," Aiyuk told reporters when asked if he wanted to remain in San Francisco.
Aiyuk would undoubtedly like a lucrative second contract, but he may also be interested in joining an offense where he isn't frequently overshadowed by Christian McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel.
With this in mind, let's examine six potential trade destinations that feature the scheme and supporting cast needed to let Aiyuk shine, plus the capital needed to acquire and pay him.
Arizona Cardinals
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Say what you will about Kyler Murray's ability (or lack thereof) to win anything of note, but the Arizona Cardinals quarterback is a talented and capable signal-caller. The two-time Pro Bowler appeared to be back to pre-injury form late in 2023, and he threw for 1,799 yards and 10 touchdowns in his eight appearances.
With Murray apparently cemented into Arizona's future plans, the Cardinals don't need a quarterback.
What the Cardinals do need is a No. 1 receiver. They haven't really had one since DeAndre Hopkins racked up 1,407 yards in 2020—injuries limited him the following season, and a torn ACL ended Murray's 2022 campaign.
Like Hopkins was in his prime, Aiyuk is one of the best route-runners in the NFL. He'd be exactly the sort of top option that Murray currently lacks and a perfect complement to budding star tight end Trey McBride.
With $44,6 million in projected cap space, the Cardinals would have no trouble absorbing Aiyuk's salary and signing him to an extension. The challenge here would be forging a trade offer that is enticing enough to pry Aiyuk away from a division rival.
Arizona traded the 23rd overall pick for impending free agent Marquise Brown and the Baltimore Ravens' third-round selection. That same year, the Philadelphia Eagles dealt the 18th overall pick for Tennessee Titans receiver A.J. Brown—who is a more apt comparison for Aiyuk than the less consistent Brown.
The Cardinals would undoubtedly have to pony up a bit more to get San Francisco to deal, but with two first-round selections in this year's draft, they could afford it.
Potential Trade Offer: 2024 first-round pick (from Houston, 27th overall), 2024 third-round pick (from Tennessee, 71st overall), 2024 third-round pick (from Houston, 90th overall)
Houston Texans
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The Houston Texans might feel even better about their quarterback situation than the Cardinals do. C.J. Stroud was simply sublime as a rookie, earning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors while leading Houston to an unexpected AFC South title and a playoff win.
Stroud showcased the poise of a seasoned veteran along with the ability to layer throws and deliver an accurate ball to every area on the field. He was particularly impressive in his deep passes and finished the year ranked third in yards per attempt (8.2).
Aiyuk's route running and ability to stretch the field would mesh perfectly with Stroud's accuracy and deep-ball prowess. Having an innovative and adaptable play-caller in Bobby Slowik would allow Houston to get just as much if not more out of Aiyuk than San Francisco has.
And while the Texans have a pair of talented young pass-catchers in Nico Collins and Tank Dell, Aiyuk could immediately step into the No. 1 receiver role.
Houston would likely have an easier time than Arizona getting Aiyuk at a relative bargain, since San Francisco would be trading him out of the conference. With $65.4 million in projected cap space—and with both Collins and Dell on rookie contracts—the Texans could afford to give Aiyuk a top-tier contact.
The Texans traded their 2024 first-rounder to Arizona to secure pass-rusher Will Anderson Jr. in last year's draft, but they still have the Cleveland Browns' 23rd overall selection via the Deshaun Watson trade.
Houston might find an elite No. 1 receiver with that pick, but it isn't going to find a talent as proven as Aiyuk, who topped 1,300 receiving yards in 2023.
Potential Trade Offer: 2024 first-round pick (23rd overall), 2024 third-round pick (from Philadelphia, 86th overall)
Jacksonville Jaguars
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Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence regressed a bit in 2023 even before battling ankle and shoulder injuries late in the season. Two years ago, however, he appeared on track to be the league's next star signal-caller.
Lawrence threw for 4,113 yards and 25 touchdowns in 2022 while making the Pro Bowl and posting a solid 95.2 passer rating. He has all the physical tools needed to become a top-five quarterback sooner than later.
The Jaguars, though, have struggled to provide Lawrence with a true No. 1-caliber receiver. Christian Kirk and Zay Jones are high-end complementary options, but neither is capable of taking over a game like Aiyuk can.
Calvin Ridley showed glimpses of being a No. 1 receiver in 2023, but he'll be a free agent in March, and extending him would result in Jacksonville sending a second-round pick to the Atlanta Falcons.
Jacksonville would be a great landing spot for Aiyuk as long as Lawrence can return to his 2022 form. Aiyuk would instantly become Lawrence's new top option, but the Jags have enough talented pass-catchers—including Kirk, Jones, Evan Engram and running back Travis Etienne—to prevent Aiyuk from consistently seeing double coverage.
Like Houston, Jacksonville would be an out-of-conference trade partner for San Francisco. The Jags also have the cap space ($17.3 million) to take on Aiyuk's contract, though extending him might require a back-loaded contract.
This hypothetical trade would be contingent on Jacksonville allowing Ridley to walk, but that would be logical. Aiyuk has played at an elite level more recently than Ridley and is three years younger.
Potential Trade Offer: 2024 first-round pick (17th overall), 2024 fourth-round pick (from New Orleans, 116th overall), 2025 third-round pick
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Kansas City Chiefs
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OK, so it's hard to envision the 49ers sending Aiyuk to the team that beat them in their last two Super Bowl appearances. However, business is business, and if the Kansas City Chiefs made the right offer, San Francisco may be willing to play ball.
Though the Chiefs and 49ers are scheduled to play in 2024, San Francisco wouldn't have to worry about seeing Aiyuk in the playoffs unless it meets Kansas City in the Super Bowl for a third time in six seasons.
Kansas City could certainly use a receiver of Aiyuk's caliber. While Rashee Rice flashed as a rookie, the Chiefs still lack a proven No. 1 wideout. Tight end Travis Kelce has filled that role in the two years since Tyreek Hill was traded, but Kelce will also turn 35 in October.
The Chiefs would likely have no trouble selling Aiyuk on their situation. They still have Patrick Mahomes under center and offensive guru Andy Reid on the sideline. While Aiyuk might not possess the raw speed of Hill, it's not hard to envision him having similar production in Kansas City's offense.
Hill, for the record, racked up 6,037 yards and 50 touchdowns in his final five seasons with the Chiefs.
The big question is whether Kansas City would be willing to pay Aiyuk two years after refusing to pay Hill—though Aiyuk is roughly two years younger than Hill was when he was traded. With $22.6 million in projected cap space, though, the Chiefs could make it work if they wanted.
The Chiefs are eager for a three-peat, and Aiyuk is much more of a "sure thing" than they're likely to land with the final pick in the first round.
Potential Trade Package: 2024 first-round pick (32nd overall), 2024 second-round pick (64th overall)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers would be an intriguing landing spot for Aiyuk if they're able to retain impending free-agent quarterback Baker Mayfield.
Mayfield has had an up-and-down pro career, though it's worth noting he's battled a constant shuffling of offensive coordinators. His highs have been very high, however. He briefly held the NFL record for touchdown passes by a rookie (27), he helped Cleveland break its lengthy playoff drought, and he made the Pro Bowl in Tampa as an alternate.
This past season, Mayfield was a top-10 quarterback in yards (4,044) and touchdowns (28), and he ranked 12th in passer rating (94.6). He also helped Buccaneers No. 1 receiver Mike Evans lead the NFL with 13 touchdown receptions.
Evans also tallied 1,255 receiving yards in 2023, and that might represent Aiyuk's floor with Mayfield under center.
While Evans is still a No. 1 receiver, he's also 30 and an impending free agent. Acquiring Aiyuk to replace Evans would be sensible for the Bucs, and Tampa would provide Aiyuk with a good home.
Mayfield will again be dealing with a new play-caller, though incoming coordinator Liam Coen worked with him briefly with the Los Angeles Rams. Chris Godwin remains a high-end No. 2 receiver, so Aiyuk wouldn't have to deal with being the only focal point of opposing defenses.
The Buccaneers might have to pay a premium, given their status as a potential playoff foe of the 49ers, but they have $43.6 million in projected cap space and could afford to sign Aiyuk long-term.
Potential Trade Offer: 2024 first-round pick (26th overall), 2024 third-round pick (89th overall), 2025 second-round pick
Washington Commanders
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The Washington Commanders hold the No. 2 pick in April's draft, and they appear poised to use that selection on a top quarterback prospect—presumably, either USC's Caleb Williams or North Carolina's Drake Maye.
While there's no guarantee that Williams or Maye will be an instant star like Stroud was, both have the potential to be great. With all due respect to Sam Howell, either would instantly upgrade Washington's offense.
The Commanders would be wise to pair their next quarterback with a true No. 1 receiver. Terry McLaurin has filled that role over the past five years, though he'd be best cast as a high-end No. 2.
2022 first-round pick Jahan Dotson has shown glimpses of promise but has yet to play up to his draft status. Replacing Dotson and pairing Aiyuk with McLaurin would give Washington's next quarterback an elite receiver tandem.
Washington would have to sell Aiyuk on the idea that it can rapidly improve, but with the second overall pick and a league-high $83.5 million in cap space, that idea isn't far-fetched.
Clearly, the Commanders could afford to pay Aiyuk a top-of-the-market salary. And while Washington does play in the NFC, the 49ers are unlikely to view them as immediate playoff rivals.
Washington isn't giving up its 2024 first-rounder, though, so it might have to get creative to secure a trade. Sending Dotson—who will be on a rookie deal for at least two more years—to San Francisco could potentially be part of the plan.
Potentially easing the process is the fact that Commanders general manager Adam Peters spent the last three seasons as San Francisco's assistant GM.
Potential Trade Offer: 2024 second-round pick (36th overall), 2024 second-round pick (from Chicago, 40th overall), WR Jahan Dotson
*Cap and contract information via Spotrac.
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