The San Francisco 49ers currently have the 31st overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. While this draft, like many, are laden with talented players at multiple positions, recent developments surrounding the 49ers have created a scenario in which they may want to try trading up for a higher pick.
Specifically, San Francisco is going to be in the market for an offensive tackle, wide receiver, and/or nickel corner early on in the draft. Picking so late in the first round means that many, if not all, of the top players at these positions will be gone by pick 31.
Fortunately for the 49ers, they have two Pro Bowl wide receivers that could help them rise up in the draft, perhaps even into the top 10.
The San Francisco 49ers Are Reportedly Offering Wide Receivers Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel in Trades to Move Up in the 2024 NFL Draft
According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, San Francisco is attempting to trade up into the top 10 of the 2024 NFL Draft. Of course, doing this would come at a significant cost, especially since they have the second to last pick in the first round. However, they are using both Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk as potential trade pieces:
“The 49ers have had conversations with teams, including with one picking in the top 10, about trading either of their prized wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel in an effort to move up in the first round, per sources.”
The question, then, is who or what position would the 49ers be targeting if they moved up into the top 10?
Potential Top-10 Picks for the San Francisco 49ers in the 2024 NFL Draft
Of course, the player and/or position that San Francisco might be targeting with a trade up will depend on how high they can go. If the 49ers are able to get into the top 10, they could target a sure-fire tackle, such as Joe Alt (pictured above).
However, given the fact that the team is facing the possibility of losing both Samuel and Aiyuk this offseason, they could target a wide receiver. Marvin Harrison Jr., Rome Odunze, and Malik Nabers are all considered outstanding wide receivers that could go in the first half of the first round.
If Samuel and Aiyuk are the players they are using as potential trade pieces, it stands to reason that the teams they are talking to are in need of wide receivers. These teams include the New England Patriots (who also need a quarterback), the Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Chargers, and New York Jets. All of these teams, by the way, pick in the top 10.
Why Are the San Francisco 49ers Looking to Trade Deebo Samuel and/or Brandon Aiyuk?
The 49ers have just $6.2 million in salary cap space. This season, Samuel is scheduled to carry a $28.6 million cap hit. Moving him would help San Francisco sign more free agents this offseason as well as their draft class.
As for Aiyuk, his frustration with the 49ers organization is well-known. While there have been reports that he has already requested a trade, his agent has denied it. However, it is also well-known that Aiyuk and San Francisco are far apart in terms of a new contract.
Aiyuk is playing on his fifth year option for $14 million. While the 49ers do not necessarily need to be in a hurry to trade him, he also has refused to show up to the team’s voluntary workouts. While these workouts are not mandatory, his absence has only fueled speculation that his time with the team is drawing to an end.
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