Why the 49ers are Likely to Trade Brandon Aiyuk in the Future
Quarterback topics weren't the only thing being talked about with the 49ers at the NFL's annual meetings in Arizona. Teams were tapping the shoulder of the 49ers to inquire about Brandon Aiyuk.
A decision will have to be made within the month regarding the fifth-year option on Aiyuk's rookie contract. The 49ers will most likely utilize it, however, Aiyuk will start looking for something long-term sooner rather than later. Given the handful of players that the 49ers have already shelled out lucrative contracts to, retaining Aiyuk might not be possible.
Aiyuk is a tremendous player. He’s demonstrated to ascend each and every year he’s entered the league. The 49ers could not have asked for a better first round pick who continues to dominate his game. However, trading him is definitely skewed toward the likelihood realm than it is unlikely.
The reason is that finding sweet wide receivers isn’t too difficult. Plenty of good receivers have emerged on the second day of the draft, so a first-round draft selection isn’t necessary for one unless it’s a Justin Jefferson type. Since they are relatively easy to find as opposed to other positions, Aiyuk is likely to be shipped out as opposed to Deebo Samuel or George Kittle.
Now, I think Aiyuk is the better player to keep over Samuel because his style of play is suited for long-term sustainability. Samuel and Kittle on the other hand are aggressors who find themselves injured and could end up having their bodies break down sooner rather than later. But these two are such special talents and perfect fits in the 49ers offense that finding a replacement for them won't be nearly as easy as opposed to Aiyuk.
The 49ers cannot keep everyone, even someone as fantastic as Aiyuk whose arrow is pointing up. At some point, they’re going to have to choose if he’s worth keeping over others. Having two highly paid wide receivers who are guaranteed close to or around $70 million is just not going to work. Some other star on the 49ers is going to have to be sacrificed for that deal for Aiyuk to be executed and I don’t think it’s something the 49ers are willing to do.
As I see it, they’ll end up in a DeForest Buckner situation again with Aiyuk. After watching Mike McGlinchey walk in free agency and “hating” to see it, I’m sure the 49ers will want to avoid that again and at least get compensation next time. Aiyuk will get to play out the fourth year of his deal and likely will get his fifth-year option picked up as well. With the way he improves upon his previous seasons, he’ll end up pricing himself out from the 49ers after 2023.
The bright side to this is that a lot can change in a year that could sway the 49ers into keeping Aiyuk. You just never know what a season will behold and reveal.
