Jaguar is expected to receive a $91 million star in the 49ers’ proposed trade.
We hope that the San Francisco 49ers will play a lot of football in 2023, but for most of the NFL, that year is coming to an end. And as a result, many are now concentrating on 2024 and potential actions for the approaching offseason. The possibility of a Brandon Aiyuk move is one of the hottest issues that is expected to surface in the upcoming weeks, despite the 49ers and their supporters not giving it much thought.
People in the Bay Area don’t want to hear that kind of talk, of course. However, the 49ers will have to make some difficult decisions when the reality of their talent bonanza becomes apparent—many excellent players will need to be paid. And in order to maintain balance in the books, a trade for Brandon Aiyuk might be required.
This is one of the motivations behind a trade that Bleacher Report is suggesting this week, dubbed a transaction that “makes too much sense.” It called for Aiyuk to be sent to Jacksonville in exchange for a first-round pick and further draft considerations.
According to the author of the B/R piece, the Jaguars’ quarterback Trevor Lawrence needs more assistance, and the team is unsure if receiver Calvin Ridley is a legitimate No. 1. That’s why Jacksonville would be well served by a deal for Brandon Aiyuk. Throughout 72 receptions this season, he has amassed 1,317 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. And he’s only 25 years old.
“Salary-cap restrictions may leave the Niners with little choice in the matter, even though they would reportedly prefer not to trade Aiyuk due to his fit in the offense and strong chemistry with emerging quarterback Brock Purdy,” Kay said.
Should Aiyuk become available, the Jaguars ought to show a great deal of interest. As part of his trade conditions, the Jaguars would forfeit a second-round pick if they decide to extend Ridley. Instead, Jacksonville could use that kind of money to get Aiyuk, who is expected to cost a first-round pick in addition to other draft picks.
For Aiyuk, that’s not a bad haul. The 49ers might be forced to make the move if they were to make cuts somewhere else—like star tight end George Kittle or some of the team’s defensive personnel.
Trade or Holdout for Brandon Aiyuk?
Due to his contract, the 49ers will not need to make a trade for Aiyuk in the upcoming season. Last winter, the team exercised his $14.1 million fifth-year option. However,
According to OverTheCap.com, the 49ers will have already over the NFL’s $242 million salary cap for the upcoming season by $7.5 million.
Thus, Aiyuk might be transferred. He would undoubtedly attract suitors. This season, he earned a Pro Football Focus score of 92.0, ranking him as the NFL’s second-best receiver. Aiyuk might conduct a holdout, similar to what Nick Bosa did this summer, if the 49ers forced him to play for the $14.1 million he is owed. Aiyuk is undoubtedly aware of his rapidly increasing value.
Nevertheless, it’s likely that the 49ers want to avoid that, and like it or not, the most fruitful method to accomplish so is through a trade for Brandon Aiyuk.
