According to reports, the San Francisco 49ers are unable to settle for Brandon Aiyuk’s asking price in exchange for a first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is available for trade by the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a 2024 first-round pick, but the 49ers have high demands that opposing teams must match in order to complete a deal.
After San Francisco’s overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII in February, there was allegedly animosity between the 26-year-old and the team. Aiyuk’s camp was upset with how he was being used because he only caught three catches for 49 yards in the 25-22 loss.
In an enigmatic Instagram Story, Aiyuk remarked, “Remember what brought you there.” Rochelle Searight, his girlfriend, then posted a follow-up on TikTok, saying, “This may be the last time that Brandon and I set foot in Levi’s Stadium. since the following season we might not be here.”
But because San Francisco selected Aiyuk’s fifth-year option, which guarantees him a $14 million contract year, he is not a free agent this offseason and can only leave the 49ers through a trade.
The Athletic reports that San Francisco will consider trade offers for Aiyuk during the first round of the NFL Draft next month, with that round serving as their asking price. Like they did with Deebo Samuel when they received offers from the Detroit Lions and the New York Jets, they are not desperate, though, and they won’t let him go for less than they want.
It appears that the New England Patriots and the Pittsburgh Steelers, who recently acquired two quarterbacks in Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, are both interested in signing Aiyuk. The Patriots, who now own the third overall pick in the NFL Draft, are probably going to select a quarterback, and Jayden Daniels of LSU is a prime candidate.
They can also think about enticing the 49ers into a trade by offering future draft picks as an offensive weapon to any potential rookie quarterback.
The Steelers, meanwhile, are ranked 20th after the first round. Pittsburgh is projected by NFL.com to choose Oklahoma offensive tackle Tyler Guyton in the first round.
Other teams, such as the Jacksonville Jaguars, who are in need of a receiver and are now 17th in the standings, may also choose to enter the battle for Aiyuk. The Tennessee Titans claimed Calvin Ridley from the team, but Gabe Davis, a former Buffalo Bills wide receiver, was added.
In 2024, the Jaguars may be in danger if they continue to play with Gabe Davis, Zay Jones, and Christian Kirk. Aiyuk, who has around 100 targets per season on average, may be a huge asset to Trevor Lawrence’s offence.