close
close

houdoebrabant

NL News 2024

NFL Insider Reveals 5 Brandon Aiyuk Trade Destinations to Watch
powertid

NFL Insider Reveals 5 Brandon Aiyuk Trade Destinations to Watch




After an offseason full of strange things, Brandon Aiyuk has officially requested a trade from the San Francisco 49ers. Now entering the final year of his contract, Aiyuk wants to be paid what he’s worth, but so far the 49ers and his agent have been unable to come to an agreement on his value. Rather than see him leave in free agency, the 49ers may feel compelled to trade the second All-Pro despite trying to repeat as the NFC’s Super Bowl representative.

But there are only a limited number of teams that are likely to meet San Francisco’s asking price for their rising receiver. What’s more, any team that trades Aiyuk would also have to offer him a massive contract extension, so it’s not just trade compensation they’re giving up. So which teams could pull off a trade for the 26-year-old?

Related: Hard Knocks Episode 3: Joe Schoen Ignored New York Giants Owner’s Wishes to Keep Saquon Barkley

Brandon Aiyuk trade destinations could be Detroit Lions and New York Giants

Photo: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Shortly after Brandon Aiyuk requested a trade, NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks took a look at which teams make the most sense to negotiate a blockbuster deal before the season starts. Here are his five picks.

Washington Commanders

Aiyuk has repeatedly hinted at a desire to join the Commanders, where he would be reunited with his college quarterback, Jayden Daniels. It doesn’t hurt that new Commanders GM Adam Peters spent the past seven years with San Francisco, where he’s seen Aiyuk up close. Plus, the Commanders may be able to pull off an attractive trade package, possibly even involving Jahan Dotson to give the 49ers another receiver with potential.

New England Patriots

The Patriots have a new franchise QB in Drake Maye, but they still don’t have an alpha receiver. Trading for Aiyuk would immediately address what is arguably their biggest need. The Patriots have several candidates who can fill the WR2 and WR3 roles, and adding Aiyuk would allow those players to grow at their own pace instead of being met with lofty expectations.

Pittsburgh Steelers

After revamping their offense, the Steelers expect to roll out a potent scoring attack. George Pickens and Pat Freiermuth provide solid options for Russell Wilson, but Aiyuk could help deflect more attention away from the Steelers’ existing playmakers. He’s also shown an eagerness to move to Pittsburgh and play for coach Mike Tomlin.

Detroit Lions

This is one of the more interesting picks on Brooks’ roster. The Lions have several capable pass-catchers, from Amon-Ra St. Brown to Sam LaPorta to a developing Jameson Williams. But you can never have too many receivers who can win their 1-on-1 battles, and Aiyuk would be one of the top targets in Motown.

New York Giants

The Giants finally landed a WR1 by drafting Malik Nabers. But despite his superstar potential, there’s no guarantee he’ll be an instant star. Adding Aiyuk gives Nabers more time to grow and gives Daniel Jones a player who can be productive right away and takes some of the focus off Nabers.

Related: Should the Los Angeles Chargers Trade One of Their Best Players for Brandon Aiyuk?