As the San Francisco 49ers focus on securing a long-term deal for quarterback Brock Purdy, many fans are wondering about the future of star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.
Despite some rumors suggesting a potential trade, recent reports have provided more clarity on the situation, revealing the challenges that would come with such a move.
Aiyuk’s 2024 season was marred by a torn ACL suffered in Week 7, after he had signed the contract extension he had hoped for from San Francisco.
However, according to a report by FOX Sports’ Jordan Schultz, the 49ers are reportedly “open” to trading Aiyuk, with “communication with several teams” already underway.
“Things are a bit more tenuous, however, between the Niners and their WR1. Sources indicate that the 49ers are open to trading Aiyuk — a terrific player who will certainly be motivated — and there has been communication with several teams,” Schultz reported.
“However, trading for Aiyuk’s contract coming off an ACL injury is a tall order, and most believe it is unlikely. The timing here is crucial: Aiyuk has a guaranteed option bonus of nearly $23 million that triggers on April 1, making it harder to move him afterward.”
While the possibility of Aiyuk being traded remains in the air, the financial and injury-related hurdles are significant.
His $23 million option bonus would be a challenge for any potential trade partner, and with Aiyuk still recovering from his knee injury, it complicates matters further.
One NFL personnel director expressed surprise at the idea of Aiyuk being traded, stating it would be a “pretty big surprise” if the 49ers part ways with the talented receiver.
David Lombardi of SF Standard also weighed in on the trade rumors surrounding Aiyuk, noting that the likelihood of a move is “very small.”
“If the 49ers do trade him, which again, I’m going to emphasize this right now – it’s very unlikely because of the ACL and the MCL. That is a lot of savings for San Francisco over the course of the next several seasons,” Lombardi stated.
“About $50 million of guaranteed money, or effectively guaranteed money for Brandon Aiyuk, would be shipped off to another team. But that’s why it’s going to be hard to move off of that money. There’s a lot of it, and Brandon Aiyuk is not yet fully healthy.”
Despite the trade chatter, the 49ers are clearly focused on improving after a disappointing 6-11 season following their Super Bowl appearance the previous year.
With the team looking to get back on track, it seems unlikely that they’ll make drastic changes to their wide receiver corps. However, anything is possible if things fall into place.
What are your thoughts on the Aiyuk situation? … Do you think there’s any chance he ends up getting traded???
