After much cryptic drama, San Francisco 49ers star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has officialy requested a trade.
Set the enter the final year of his deal, Aiyuk has had to sit and watch other receivers around the league get rewarded handsomely with contract extensions.
After meeting with general manager John Lynch and the front office, it became clear to Aiyuk that perhaps it’d be best if he were sent elsewhere.
While Lynch and the Niners hold all the cards and are under no obligation to agree to Aiyuk’s request, that hasn’t stopped anyone from speculating on where the talented 26-year-old could possibly end up,
On that note, CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin recently proposed a three-team trade that could provide a fresh start for Aiyuk.
This speculative deal would involve the Denver Broncos and Washington Commanders, aiming to address various team needs and player situations.
Benjamin’s proposed trade would see the following moves…
-Broncos receive: WR Jamison Crowder (Washington), 2025 third-round pick (Washington)
-Commanders receive: WR Brandon Aiyuk (San Francisco)
-49ers receive: WR Courtland Sutton (Denver), 2025 second-round pick (Washington)
“Let’s get funky, eh? Denver is in a bit of a contract bind of its own, with Sutton contemplating a training camp holdout as he seeks a pay raise entering Year 7,” Benjamin wrote.
“While Sean Payton may not prefer to part with his club’s most accomplished wideout, he could also use more resources for the long-term build around rookie quarterback Bo Nix.
“Crowder is aging, but his reliability as a possession target would probably appeal to Payton’s eye for efficiency. San Francisco, meanwhile, would essentially be renting a proven downfield starter in Sutton while also recouping a second-rounder by shipping Aiyuk to Washington.”
The possibility of Aiyuk being traded gained traction before April’s NFL Draft, but the 49ers have consistently stated their reluctance to move him.
Despite this, Aiyuk has continued to express his desire to leave, with the Washington Commanders emerging as a preferred destination due to his close relationship with quarterback Jayden Daniels.
For the 49ers, acquiring Sutton would bring a proven downfield threat, potentially softening the blow of losing Aiyuk.
The Broncos, on the other hand, would gain a reliable possession receiver in Crowder, along with a future draft pick, helping them manage their current contract challenges.
The Commanders would benefit by adding a dynamic playmaker in Aiyuk, and the vibes would be high thanks to Daniels reuniting with his old college buddy.
What are your thoughts on Benjamin’s trade proposal?
Do you think there’s any chance the 49ers trade Aiyuk? … Or is his formal trade request just an attempted leverage play?
At the end of the day, will Aiyuk be a Niner for the duration of the 2024 season? … Or will he end up playing elsewhere???