San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has requested a trade
A possible trade target for the New York Jets has formally requested a trade.
According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, the 49ers’ Brandon Aiyuk requested a trade on Tuesday. This comes after an offseason where the wideout and the team have not agreed to terms on an extension.
Source: #49ers All-Pro WR Brandon Aiyuk has officially requested a trade after an offseason of unsuccessful attempts to reach an extension.
Despite a recent meeting, the Niners haven’t been willing to engage in negotiations since May so Aiyuk has respectfully asked out. pic.twitter.com/EWxYMvsHch
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) July 16, 2024
ESPN’s Adam Schefter added that teams have reached out to the 49ers about Aiyuk, but those teams have been told that the 49ers “have no intention” of dealing Aiyuk.
Sources: Other teams that have reached out and spoken to San Francisco have been told that the 49ers have no intention of trading disgruntled WR Brandon Ayiuk, who officially has requested a trade. 49ers open training camp next week. pic.twitter.com/vsVCoPvUr1
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 16, 2024
Regarding the prospect of the Jets’ adding Aiyuk, nothing has changed.
Aiyuk would bring an electric talent to the team’s wide receiver room, pairing him with another superstar in Garrett Wilson. He would be able to thrive in man coverage, not having to worry about double teams due to having a plethora of weapons around him. As a result, Aiyuk’s presence would arguably give the Jets the best group of weapons in the league and one of the best offenses.
However, the entire reason for Aiyuk’s potential departure is that he wants a new contract to make him one of the league’s highest-paid receivers.
The Jets are not in a great position to pay two upper-tier receivers, as Garrett Wilson is also due to be extended soon. Add in future extensions for Sauce Gardner, Breece Hall, and Jermaine Johnson, among others, and there is not much room to bring on Aiyuk without letting an impact player leave.
Ultimately, the Jets are probably more suited to trade for a player like Davante Adams, as his deal has no remaining guaranteed money and would be directly in line with the team’s winning window.
But if the Jets decided to trade for Aiyuk and take the risks associated with his contract, it would solidify their offense in the upper echelon of the NFL for 2024 and possibly for many more years to come.
