Why the 49ers Will Not Trade Brandon Aiyuk

Brandon Aiyuk being traded is a hot offseason topic due to his looming contract extension, but it is something highly unlikely for the San Francisco 49ers to do.

Nov 19, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) | Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Brandon Aiyuk could potentially find a new home this offseason.

The 2023 All-Pro wide receiver is due for a contract extension from the San Francisco 49ers. However, the 49ers may feel that an extension with him isn't possible like how they did with DeForest Buckner in 2020. There are some parallels between Aiyuk and Buckner.

Both are respected high-level players on the team that are due for an extension following a Super Bowl appearance. That is largely why a couple of trade rumors have already been attached to Aiyuk. First it was to the Jacksonville Jaguars, then it was the Pittsburgh Steelers.

These trade rumors will continue until Aiyuk gets extended, and that is if the 49ers even desire that. It really depends if they feel sending Aiyuk away would be worth whatever draft pick they could net. And that is why Aiyuk won't be traded from the 49ers.

The potential draft compensation for Aiyuk will not be worth it all. I don't imagine any team is going to cough up their highly coveted first round draft pick for Aiyuk. For starters, the draft is stacked with wide receivers for any team who needs that position filled and upgraded.

Now, Aiyuk is surely better than any rookie, but it is the fact that a team who gives up draft capital for Aiyuk will also have to extend him. To forfeit a draft pick and drop a hefty chunk of money on Aiyuk isn't good business for any team. Cincinnati Bengals receiver Tee Higgins is also in the same boat, and he's actually on the trade block or requested it.

For the 49ers, it would make no sense for them to accept anything less than a first round pick. Even then, if they were to be offered a draft pick from the Steelers who are picking No. 20 in the first round, that isn't worth parting with Aiyuk at all.

Whatever rookie the 49ers could draft there will not drastically improve them winning the Super Bowl. If anything, it will hurt them more than help them. Trade rumors are unlikely to slow down this offseason with Aiyuk, but the reality of him actually being traded are just as bleak.