According to reports, the San Francisco 49ers have laid the groundwork for potential trades involving wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, with the New England Patriots emerging as a frontrunner.
The Cleveland Browns are also said to be very much in the running to land Aiyuk.
Both the Patriots and Browns have submitted their best offers to Aiyuk’s camp, and the 49ers have given their nod to these proposals.
According to reports, the expected return for the 49ers includes a veteran receiver and draft picks.
Aiyuk had been granted permission by San Francisco to negotiate potential contracts not only with New England and Cleveland but also with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Washington Commanders.
However, Pittsburgh and Washington are no longer in the running, as the Steelers declined to meet San Francisco’s terms and Washington has exited the trade talks.
The wide receiver’s desire to leave the 49ers became public on July 16 when he requested a trade.
Despite initial resistance from general manager John Lynch and 49ers management, recent discussions have moved towards a possible trade.
According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo and Tom Pelissero, it appears more likely that Aiyuk will be traded rather than sign an extension with San Francisco.
His presence at the 49ers training camp has been noted, although he has not been practicing due to ongoing contract negotiations.
The Niners had considered trading both Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel in April but decided to retain them, subsequently drafting Ricky Pearsall in the first round.
Aiyuk, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract, had an impressive season in 2023, catching 75 passes for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns.
His 17.9 yards per reception was the second highest in the NFL among eligible receivers.
Despite being set to earn $14.1 million in 2024, his market value is estimated at $26.2 million annually by Spotrac.
The Patriots, in search of wide receiver depth since early in the offseason, signed K.J. Osborn and drafted Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker.
New England might include Kendrick Bourne in their trade package to acquire Aiyuk, leveraging their substantial salary-cap space.
The Browns, having already traded for Jerry Jeudy earlier this year and signed him to a three-year extension, might offer five-time Pro Bowler Amari Cooper to the 49ers.
Cooper, who recorded a career-high 1,250 yards last season, has one year left on his contract and was restructured to include a raise.
What do you think will end up happening with Aiyuk? … Do you view the Patriots as the clear frontrunners???
