Buccaneers 'Intriguing' Destination for Disgruntled 49ers Star Wide Receiver
When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the Super Bowl at the end of the 2020 NFL Season they got busy bringing back every single starter, and then most of the depth players, from that squad.
Since the San Francisco 49ers lost the Super Bowl this past weekend they've fired a defensive coordinator who helped hold Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs to under 20 points in four quarters of play, lost several coaches from their offensive staff, and now may be forced to trade one of their stars to a team like the Buccaneers according to Bleacher Report.
The question here isn't whether or not the 49ers are at odds with one of their key offensive members, it's whether or not Tampa Bay will become the benefactor of that disconnect.
According to the Bleacher Report projection the Bucs are one of six teams receiver Brandon Aiyuk could fit with in a trade if he does indeed force his way out of San Francisco this offseason.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) celebrates a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half of a 2024 NFC wild card game at Raymond James Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
"The Tampa Bay Buccaneers would be an intriguing landing spot for Aiyuk if they're able to retain impending free-agent quarterback Baker Mayfield," writes Kristopher Knox. "Buccaneers No. 1 receiver Mike Evans (led) the NFL with 13 touchdown receptions. Evans also tallied 1,255 receiving yards in 2023, and that might represent Aiyuk's floor with Mayfield under center. While Evans is still a No. 1 receiver, he's also 30 and an impending free agent. Acquiring Aiyuk to replace Evans would be sensible for the Bucs, and Tampa would provide Aiyuk with a good home."
Knox continues by speculating the Buccaneers would need to send their 26th overall pick from this year's NFL Draft along with No. 89 and a 2025 second-round selection.
If you ask us to choose for Tampa Bay between Evans and Aiyuk the answer is easy - you keep the franchise legend.
But, if for some reason the Bucs and their legendary receiver are unable to strike a deal Aiyuk isn't a bad consolation prize and still leaves the team with enough draft capital to add talent in other areas.
Stick with BucsGameday for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the 2024 offseason.
