The San Francisco 49ers have been one of the most talked about teams in the NFL this offseason. Of course, this is because of their ongoing saga of contract extension talks with Second Team All-Pro wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Many forget that the drama surrounding Aiyuk and the 49ers started the day after San Francisco lost Super Bowl LVIII to Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.
On February 12, Aiyuk’s girlfriend posted a video outside of Levi’s Stadium in which she said that this might b the last time they leave the stadium as part of the 49ers organization because “we don’t know if we’ll be back here next year.”
The statement came as a shock to many because the 49ers had already picked up Aiyuk’s fifth-year option. Still, many were hopeful the team and the standout wide receiver would be able to come to some kind of an agreement before long.
That did not happen.
Trade Rumors Involving San Francisco 49ers Wide Receiver Brandon Aiyuk Have Circulated for Months
In the weeks that followed the video being posted, the 49ers and Aiyuk started engaging in contract talks. No progress was made, and many believed San Francisco may try to trade him ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft. But the draft came and went and Aiyuk was still on the team.
Since then, Aiyuk has been the center of dozens of trade rumors and suggestions linking him to teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, New England Patriots, Washington Commanders, and even the Green Bay Packers.
Last month, Aiyuk himself went viral for posing a video of himself telling Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels that San Francisco had told him they do not want him back. He also went on a podcast and said he could see himself playing for the 49ers, Steelers, or Commanders this season.
Of course, Aiyuk has not been present for any of the team’s offseason activities, including mandatory minicamp. With training camp right around the corner, the disgruntled wide receiver officially requested a trade, but there is no guarantee that San Francisco will grant his request.
If they do, one recent rumored trade proposal could see the 49ers getting another All-Pro wide receiver in return.
Rumored Trade Proposal Sees the San Francisco 49ers Sending Brandon Aiyuk to the Las Vegas Raiders for Davante Adams
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According to one rumor posted on X (formerly Twitter), the 49ers could send Aiyuk to the Las Vegas Raiders for All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams:
RUMOR. The Raiders are a team interested in trading for Brandon Aiyuk. Aiyuk knows Antonio Pierce from ASU.
Here’s the fun part, the Raiders would send Davante Adams to the Niners in any trade. Davante has no real money on his deal after this season #FTTB #RaiderNation
— Rickey (@prettyrickey213) July 17, 2024
As noted, Adams does not have any guaranteed money left on his contract after this season. In essence, the two teams would trade two wide receivers that may not be with them next season anyway.
There are some issues with this trade rumor, though. First, Adams and his agents have denied that they are involved in any trade discussions. These comments came after serious speculation that the New York Jets might try to acquire Adams and reunite him with Aaron Rodgers.
Second, the 49ers have not agreed to trade Aiyuk. In this instance, they have all the leverage. Aiyuk can continue to hold out as long as he wants, but the 49ers do not need to pay him until he reports. Furthermore, he risks losing his chance at a long-term high-profile contract if he sits out for a season.
While the rumor may be fun, it is far from likely to happen. However, until something is done, analysts and fans will continue to speculate and throw out various trade proposals.
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1 Comment
That would be insane for John Lynch &Kyle to let Aiyuk go when considering the huge fact that there is no one purify has better chemistry with than him. Now trading Samuels for Adams is much more realistic