NFL insider Ian Rapoport joined NFL Network ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft, which kicks off in a couple of hours, and provided an update on San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk amid several trade rumors.
"I think it's fair to say the status of Brandon Aiyuk is very firmly up in the air for the San Francisco 49ers," Rapoport stated. "No doubt they're going to have interest from teams potentially trading for Brandon Aiyuk. And we may actually find out tonight because the 49ers have been very clear internally and externally. They would like a first-round pick for such a talented receiver. And the reality is this has been the market."
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Several teams have reportedly contacted the 49ers to inquire about the availability of Aiyuk and his teammate, wide receiver Deebo Samuel. One of those teams is rumored to own a top-10 selection in the draft.
Discussing the Samuel interest, Michael Silver of the San Francisco Chronicle reports, "The 49ers would likely have to be blown away by the offer to make that move," while describing the situation as "fluid."
From our NFL Draft Kickoff Show: What's the latest on #49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk? pic.twitter.com/8UDzPVuVwX
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 25, 2024
Continuing to discuss Aiyuk, Rapoport said, "He's a very good player. He is a homegrown player. He also had a lot of success in San Francisco. Does he really want to leave, or does he just want to get a market deal, a really good, strong wide receiver deal from the 49ers?
"And then, would they actually want to trade a player who they helped become one of the better receivers in the NFL? This story has not yet been written."
While a trade tonight involving Aiyuk might be a surprise, the rumors leading to the draft's first round have to be concerning to fans who hope the team's leading receiver last season sticks around.