Will the 49ers be forced to trade Brandon Aiyuki in 2024?
The San Francisco 49ers still have a lot of football to play — or so we assume — but 2023 is over for much of the NFL. And it is focused on 2024 and what can be done in the next season. Although it is not far from the minds of the 49ers and their fans, one of the hottest topics in the coming weeks is the possibility of a trade of Brandon Aiyuki. Of course, people in the Bay Area don’t want to hear that kind of talk.
But as the reality of the 49ers’ talent pool begins to set in — there are plenty of good players to pay — the 49ers will have to make some tough choices. And the Brandon Aiyuki trade could become necessary to balance the books. That’s one factor behind Bleacher Report’s proposed deal this week, which they call an “overly sensible” deal.
That would send Aiyuki to Jacksonville’s first-round pick and other draft considerations. The 49ers don’t want to trade The writer of the B/R article notes that Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence needs more help and the team has questions about whether receiver Calvin Ridley is a true No. 1 receiver. This is where the Brandon Aiyuki trade is huge for Jacksonville. He has 72 receptions for 1,317 yards and seven touchdowns this year.
And he is only 25 years old. “While the Niners are reportedly unwilling to trade Aiyuki for rising quarterback Brock Purdy because of their offense and strong chemistry, the salary cap may leave them with little choice in the matter,” Kay wrote. “If Aiyuk is released, the Jaguars should be very interested. … If the Jaguars decide to extend Ridley, it would cost them a second-round pick as part of the terms of his agreement. Jacksonville could instead make that kind of capital to acquire Aiyuki, likely costing a first-round pick and additional picks. Not a bad bet for Aiyuki. Cuts the team would have to make elsewhere — like star tight end George Kittle or some of the team’s defensive talent — could force the 49ers to move.
Brandon Aiyuk Trade or Holdout?
The 49ers do not need to trade Aiyuki next season because he is under contract. The team picked up his five-year option worth $14.1 million last winter. But Spotrac’s projected market value is $22.8 million per year, which puts him in line with the site’s $91.4 million contract over four seasons. Given the costs the 49ers will have to pay, that could prove to be too much.
OverTheCap.com estimates the 49ers are already $7.5 million over the NFL’s $242 million salary cap next season. Therefore, Aiyuki can be transferred. He would definitely have suitors.His Pro Football Focus grade is 92.0 this year, making him the No. 2 grade in the NFL. Aiyuk is certainly aware of his explosive value, and if the 49ers forced him to play for the $14.1 million he’s owed, Aiyuk could end the game, just like Nick Bosa did last summer. But the 49ers probably want to avoid that, and like it or not, trading Brandon Aiyuki is the most productive way to do it.
