The San Francisco 49ers have one of the best rosters in the entire NFL. Christian McCaffrey is an All-World running back that has just signed a contract extension. Brock Purdy, Mr. Irrelevant, has led the 49ers on two deep runs in the NFL Playoffs, including an appearance in last year’s Super Bowl. George Kittle continues to set the standard for tight end play around the league.
And, of course, San Francisco also boasts arguably the best wide receiver duo in the NFL in Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk. Both wideouts have First Team All-Pro honors under their belt and could be the number one wide receiver on most teams in the NFL.
Indeed, the 49ers offense is absolutely stacked, and that is without mentioning all of their great offensive linemen.
San Francisco 49ers Wide Receiver Brandon Aiyuk Is Holding Out
![San Francisco 49ers Trade Brandon Aiyuk to the Green Bay Packers in Bonkers Trade Proposal 1 San Francisco 49ers, Brandon Aiyuk](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/USATSI_21549557_168400517_lowres-200x300.jpg)
It has been a rather tumultuous offseason between Aiyuk and the 49ers. From the moment their offseason began, it was clear that he did not want to return to San Francisco without a new contract. And while there have been extension talks between the 49ers and Aiyuk, nothing has been signed.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson just reset the market for wide receivers by signing a four-year $140 million extension. That is the kind of money that Aiyuk wants, but the 49ers may not be so willing to give out. After all, they just extended McCaffrey, they will have to pay Purdy soon, and they still have another All-Pro wide receiver to think about.
In any case, the trade rumors surrounding Aiyuk have been intense for months. Many were surprised that he did not get traded during the NFL Draft.
Now that organized team activities have started, as well as mandatory mini camp, those trade rumors are picking up even more.
NFL Analyst Suggests the San Francisco 49ers Trade Brandon Aiyuk to the Green Bay Packers for Christian Watson
![San Francisco 49ers Trade Brandon Aiyuk to the Green Bay Packers in Bonkers Trade Proposal 2 San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/USATSI_22522818_168400517_lowres-229x300.jpg)
In an article in which he proposed four different trades for the disgruntled wide receiver, Bleacher Report‘s Alex Kay suggested that the 49ers ship Aiyuk to the Green Bay Packers in exchange for Christian Watson and draft picks:
San Francisco 49ers receive: WR Christian Watson, 2025 second-round pick
Green Bay Packers receive: WR Brandon Aiyuk
“The Green Bay Packers emerged as one of the league’s most astonishing contenders last year, even pulling off a Wild Card round upset before their thrilling playoff run came to an end. Expectations for this upstart club are now elevated, making an Aiyuk trade one method for the Packers to meet these lofty projections.
“While Green Bay already has a slew of intriguing young wideouts in Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks and Christian Watson on the roster, none of these pass-catchers are as well-rounded or as proven as Aiyuk. Flipping Watson—who possesses arguably the most upside of any receiver on this roster—and a second-round pick to the 49ers could get a deal done that will take the Packers to the next level.
“Aiyuk would immediately slot in as the clear-cut No. 1 option in Green Bay’s aerial attack. His presence would allow Jordan Love to further elevate his game after reaching the postseason in his first year as a starter.
“Watson should greatly intrigue the Niners’ brass as well. Although he has only appeared in 23 games since being drafted No. 34 overall in 2022, he has been a consistent scoring force when healthy. He’s racked up 14 total touchdowns since entering the NFL and his unique blend of size (6’4″, 208 pounds) and athleticism could be put to great use in San Francisco’s scheme.”
While this may be an intriguing trade on paper, it is far from realistic. Packers quarterback Jordan Love has already said that he feels his team not having a “number one wide receiver” puts pressure on opposing defenses because they do not know who to focus their coverage on. Additionally, the Packers have poured a lot of money this offseason into finding out why Watson has been plagued by hamstring injuries and fixing the issue. Why would they trade Watson after investing so much into him?
Perhaps, though, the biggest reason this trade would never happen is because Green Bay is not going to trade away a potential star wide receiver for the chance to pay a different one. This is the organization that low-balled Davante Adams until he forced his way out of town via trade. If the 49ers won’t pay Aiyuk $30+ million a year, Green Bay sure won’t either.
Related: San Francisco 49ers Fans Are Furious Over Brandon Aiyuk Trade Proposal
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