Playmaker Brandon Aiyuk is absent at mandatory camp and a trade may be imminent in the coming days this offseason. According to a source, the wide receiver is skipping mandatory workouts after skipping voluntary camp this offseason in search of a new contract. If he misses the three-day workout period that is mandatory he could receive more than $100,000 in potential fines. However, the league could waive those fines like the 49ers did last season with Nick Bosa.
The 26-year-old wideout has been the subject of trade rumors alongside star receiver, Deebo Samuel. Aiyuk is coming off a season where he was named second-team All-Pro, notching a career-high of 1,342 yards. He’s looking for a new contract that aligns with his field of play. There are already four players above the $30 million threshold, including Justin Jefferson resetting the market.
This didn’t stop the 49ers from giving running back Christian McCaffrey a record-setting extension worth $38 million over the next two years. He was already the highest-paid running back in the league so it’s easy to see why Aiyuk is holding out. This comes after San Francisco was able to give Jauan Jennings a contract extension as well which all signs point to indicate that an Aiyuk trade could happen anytime soon. However, Samuel has been a part of the conversations considering he will become expensive in the next two years.
So do they trade Samuel to give the biggest extension to Aiyuk to make him the highest-paid alongside Jefferson? They could do that but one thing for sure is that they won’t be able to afford to have Aiyuk and Samuel on the team. The team still has to worry about giving their star franchise quarterback, Brock Purdy an extension in a year.
Playmaker Brandon Aiyuk Absent at Mandatory Camp, Trade May Be Imminent
Time Is Ticking
The moment is here for the 49ers to take the wheel on the road. Everything will come down to what they do with Aiyuk. If they give him an extension, the likelihood of trading Samuel this offseason seems likely. 49ers general manager John Lynch already said he doesn’t plan to trade either star receiver this year as they plan to go far again after failing to win the Super Bowl last season.
However, it could be foolish for him to think this considering that Aiyuk could hold as long as into the regular season. It probably will come down to that as Samuel may suit up in a new uniform as soon as week one this year. This scenario would be similar to what the Kansas City Chiefs did with Chris Jones when he missed the first game of the season last year. Aiyuk has been on the sideline all offseason looking at his teammates getting new deals while he waits.
No one should blame the Pro Bowler for holding out for that reason. San Francisco was able to draft Ricky Pearsall in case they miss out on Aiyuk this season. However, it would be smart to make a move now before CeeDee Lamb, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins reset the market again. Here are some possible trade fits for Aiyuk if he doesn’t return.
Possible Trade Fits for Aiyuk
The Ravens are still looking for a reliable receiver to help accommodate Zay Flowers. Everyone has been scratching their hands after Baltimore gave Rashod Bateman an extension while he didn’t have a productive year last season. The loss of Odell Beckham Jr. is going to affect their offense in a way so why not make a sacrifice splash trade for Aiyuk? Lamar Jackson would be getting two explosive toys on his journey for his first Super Bowl.
The Los Angeles Chargers lost two of their best receivers this offseason with the departures of Mike Williams and Keenan Allen. They were able to get some receiver help in later rounds of the NFL Draft but they have a lot of unproven receivers on the roster. The same situation goes for the New Orleans Saints as they navigate a replacement to help Chris Olave.
Derek Carr needs the right pieces after a disappointing first year with the Saints. Dennis Allen should consider making some phone calls to offer draft picks to get Aiyuk in New Orleans.
