The NFL appears to be on the precipice of a monster trade that has the potential to shift the league’s power dynamics. San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has made it clear all offseason that he wants a new deal that will make him one of the highest-paid receivers in the NFL. From posting Jayden Daniels clips to obscure social media posts, Aiyuk has been uncommonly loud as he tries to get his new deal, which now may come from a team that’s not the 49ers.
As the trade rumors swirl and it appears that Aiyuk will be on a new team for the 2024 season, one thing should be made clear about the eventual trade — Aiyuk is worth the heavy price that a club will pay to get him.
The Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots are at the forefront of reported teams in talks with the 49ers for Aiyuk’s services. Later on Tuesday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Pittsburgh Steelers aren’t out of the running for Aiyuk. Whoever lands Aiyuk, it won’t come cheap.
Like previous trades involving stars on expiring deals like Jalen Ramsey and Montez Sweat, not only will one of those teams have to trade high-level assets for Aiyuk, the franchise will also have to pay him a market-rate contract. If Aiyuk continues to be the player he has been during his time with the 49ers, that’s a fine price to pay. He’s one of the most explosive wide receivers in the league and has been transformational for San Francisco. Aiyuk can beat man coverage, get open deep and convert big plays with a level of efficiency most wide receivers can only dream of.
Aiyuk also turned only 26 years old this year, so it’s feasible that the team who acquires him will be able to sign him to another extension as he hits his 30th birthday. There’s so much value here in acquiring Aiyuk, even with the cost. According to Sports Info Solutions, Aiyuk ranked first in expected points added per target (0.63), first in points earned per route run (0.104), first in percentage of targets turned into…
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Author : Yahoo Sports
Publish date : 2024-08-06 19:59:05
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