This offseason, a blockbuster trade is the “most likely outcome” for the San Francisco 49ers star.
A strong roster of players helped the San Francisco 49ers make it to Super Bowl LVIII. But as the 2024 NFL offseason approaches, it seems like San Francisco could lose one of its greatest players to salary-cap concerns.
The 49ers have been able to allocate the majority of their financial room to other positions in previous years because of Brock Purdy, their starting quarterback, and his rookie contract. One of the greatest attacks and NFL defenses is the result of the team being able to acquire and develop All-Pro players on both sides of the ball. But with Purdy and other key players getting close to the conclusion of their contracts, tough choices are about to come up.
Wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel are the two most prominent players on San Francisco’s roster with questionable futures as the offseason gets underway. Even though both are essential components of Kyle Shanahan’s offense and Purdy’s go-to weapons, it looks more and more likely that one of them will be traded in the coming months.
Is a deal with Brandon Aiyuk planned?
When previewing the 49ers offseason, ESPN’s NFL analyst Dan Graziano said that Aiyuk’s “most likely outcome” this offseason is that he will be dealt by San Francisco.
The most likely outcome, in my opinion, is that Aiyuk gets moved to a team where he is unquestionably the best wide receiver and can sign the extension he desires, forcing the Niners to select a first-round pick to select his replacement. They can take care of all their other demands in the most hygienic way. I envision San Francisco extending Hufanga and reaching a mutually beneficial agreement with Juszczyk and Greenlaw.
Dan Graziano discusses a deal involving Brandon Aiyuk and the San Francisco 49ers offseason maneuvers.
Entering his 26th season, Aiyuk is among the NFL’s top route runners. He doesn’t, however, receive as many targets as most No. 1 receivers in a league that leans heavily on passes, especially on a team that also features Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, and Samuel.
If Aiyuk is dealt, teams like the New England Patriots, Carolina Panthers, and New York Giants will likely be in the running for him. All three teams are in dire need of a dependable wide receiver who can serve as the center of attention for a passing offense.
Although the 49ers will lose one of their greatest players in Aiyuk, the trade will also give them the financial flexibility to extend the contracts of other upcoming free agents and increase their draft capital to meet other requirements.