ESPN predicts 49ers will look to trade Aiyuk this offseason originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Brandon Aiyuk has established himself as a household name after a breakout campaign in his third NFL season in 2022 and currently leads the 49ers in receiving yards this season while once again proving to be a legitimate No. 1 option in the passing game.
But with a ballooning salary cap in 2024, could the 49ers look to trade Aiyuk during the offseason?
In a recent article, ESPN’s Dan Graziano highlighted potential surprise trade candidates and explained why Aiyuk’s trade could be possible. Despite a remarkable performance this season, Aiyuk is under a fully guaranteed $14.124 million contract for 2024, and the 49ers are projected to be over or near next year’s cap. Additionally, they already have significant financial commitments to Deebo Samuel and other key positions.
Aiyuk is likely a candidate for an extension, but the market dynamics influenced by other wide receivers’ deals are uncertain. The 49ers may not be able to retain everyone, making Aiyuk a potential trade candidate.
While the 49ers would prefer to keep Aiyuk, history has shown that San Francisco is willing to trade budding stars approaching large contract extensions. For example, following the 2019 season, the 49ers traded DeForest Buckner to the Indianapolis Colts before he signed a lucrative extension with his new team.
As Aiyuk’s value continues to rise, the 49ers may face challenging decisions while trying to maintain a roster filled with high-paid stars.
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