Speculation surrounding Brandon Aiyuk will likely continue until the end of the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, which kicks off tonight. All eyes are on what the San Francisco 49ers will do at No. 31 overall and what moves they might make before then.
While general manager John Lynch assured the media this week that retaining Aiyuk is the priority, the receiver eagerly awaits the 49ers to back up their words with action, making him one of the NFL's highest-paid receivers.
One Bleacher Report writer, Ryan Fowler, proposes a trade likely to draw criticism from 49ers fans. In his analysis of one draft-day trade "that makes sense" for every team, Fowler's Aiyuk deal is perplexing. He suggests the 49ers trade Aiyuk, who led the team with a career-high 1,342 receiving yards last season, to the New York Jets for a 2024 third-round pick (No. 72) and a 2025 fourth-round pick.
If such a trade were to occur, and if the 49ers were to trade their productive star receiver for such low draft capital, fans might revolt. The trade doesn't make much sense from San Francisco's perspective, but it would indeed be a steal for the Jets.
"From San Francisco's perspective, it makes sense as the team is already paying Deebo Samuel and Christian McCaffrey, and QB Brock Purdy remains eligible for an extension next offseason," Fowler explained. "And at No. 31 overall, Niners GM John Lynch could have his pick of an immensely talented second-tier of wideouts to replace Aiyuk.
"With Aaron Rodgers healthy, it wouldn't shock to see Jets GM Joe Douglas push his chips toward the middle of the table, being aggressive to add impact playmakers in whatever way possible. Adding Aiyuk without giving up Day 1 capital would be a dream scenario for Douglas."
While it might be a "dream scenario" for Douglas and the Jets, it would be a nightmare for the 49ers, who would be parting ways with Aiyuk for a below-market-value return. If the 49ers believe they can eventually sign Aiyuk to a long-term deal, it makes more sense to retain him, especially if this is the type of offer the team might receive.