Panthers Among Favorites to Land WR Brandon Aiyuk

Will Carolina make another splash at receiver?

Brandon Aiyuk recently unfollowed the San Francisco 49ers on social media and for several months, there’s been speculation about his future with the organization. 

Aiyuk’s agent stated that he has not requested a trade from San Francisco, but that hasn’t stopped teams from inquiring about his availability, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Media. 

If Aiyuk does become available, could the Carolina Panthers be a possible trade destination? According to BetOnline, the Panthers have the second-best odds to land the dynamic 26-year-old receiver.

Aiyuk’s Next Team Odds (via BetOnline)

PIttsburgh Steelers -200

Carolina Panthers +600

New England Patriots +600

Arizona Cardinals +700

Los Angeles Chargers +900

Buffalo Bills +1200

Kansas City Chiefs +1200

New York Giants +1200

Jacksonville Jaguars +1400

Tampa Bay Buccaneers +1600

This past season, Aiyuk recorded 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns, reeling in a career-high 71.4% of passes thrown in his direction. 

For a team in a rebuild with limited draft capital, it’s unlikely that the Panthers will make a serious push if the asking price is the equivalent to a first round pick. Instead of attempting to make a big splash with Aiyuk, they can draft a receiver at the top of the second round to go alongside Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen. Johnson is on the final year of his deal, so in one way or another, the Panthers will be back in the market for a receiver next offseason and will have more flexibility to pursue a trade (if needed) with deeper draft pockets.