Depending on what the 49ers receive in return—there is word that the team seeks a veteran wideout in addition to draft compensation—the loss of Aiyuk could impact the team's Super Bowl odds. ESPN's Joe Fortenbaugh expressed his belief that the 49ers' Super Bowl window isn't just closing but has already closed.
Fortenbaugh believes Aiyuk has some leverage in this process. While the 49ers could control the player's rights for the next three years through a combination of the fifth-year option and franchise tag, the team is desperate to win a Super Bowl, and Aiyuk's presence increases their chances.
"They know that the window's closing," Fortenbaugh said on ESPN's First Take. "I think the window is actually closed, and I think this trade would end up putting the stake in the coffin."
Fortenbaugh acknowledges that even without Aiyuk, the 49ers' roster is still talented. However, the team couldn't overcome the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl during a relatively healthy 2023 campaign with Aiyuk. Would they be able to beat the odds and return?
"Curse of the Super Bowl loser. What is that?" Fortenbaugh continued. "There's a pretty good explanation, several. One of which is to get to the Super Bowl, you have to be one of the healthiest teams in the NFL. Health is something that's very difficult to replicate year after year. ... If you're a very healthy team like San Francisco was last year, like Philadelphia was two years ago, you're going to experience more injuries next year. It's just the law of averages.
"As those injuries kick in for the Niners this year, the production's going to fall off. They face eight teams this year that are going to have a scheduling advantage against them, and if you take Brandon Aiyuk off the table, Deebo Samuel, who's battled injuries in the past. George Kittle, who's battled injuries in the past. Christian McCaffrey, who's battled injuries in the past. That offense is coming back down. That Super Bowl window is closed."
Courtney Cronin added that if Aiyuk is not on the 49ers' roster in 2024, the Los Angeles Rams should be considered the better team in the NFC.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Two 49ers trade ideas, including a Brandon Aiyuk deal
Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport recently proposed trade packages for NFL players who could benefit from a fresh start, and two of the scenarios involve the San Francisco 49ers. The most notable centers on wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, whose relationship with the organization... -
49ers facing harsh reality as NFL execs label Brandon Aiyuk 'untradeable'
There appears to be no trade market for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, despite the team's hope that interest could eventually develop. With rival teams believing the 49ers will ultimately release the disgruntled receiver, there is little incentive to surrender... -
Jayden Daniels weighs in on 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk's uncertain future
Speculation continues to surround San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and the possibility of a reunion with his friend and former college quarterback, Jayden Daniels, now with the Washington Commanders. Washington has frequently been mentioned as a potential... -
How 49ers QB Brock Purdy's relationship with Kyle Shanahan has evolved
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is preparing to enter his fifth NFL season. He has come a long way since being selected with the final pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, and has since led the 49ers to three playoff berths, two NFC Championship Games, and a Super Bowl...