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Why the Vikings Shouldn’t Trade for Brandon Aiyuk

The idea of the Vikings trading Jordan Addison for Brandon Aiyuk has been floating around since Addison got cited for his second DUI.

On Friday, July 12, at 11:36 at night, Minnesota Vikings second-year wide receiver Jordan Addison was arrested in California on suspicion of driving under the influence. Although the full details of Addison’s arrest remain unknown, this marked his second DUI arrest in as many seasons. This has prompted many to wonder how the front office will handle Addison’s repeated unacceptable behavior. Some believe the most the Vikings will do is suspend Addison, while others are calling for Addison to be traded. If the Vikings trade Addison, they will look for exceptional value in return for the youngster. San Francisco 49ers star receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who has requested a trade, could be a potential target for the Vikings in such a scenario.

Exploring the Vikings trading for Brandon Aiyuk

Brandon Aiyuk’s career overview

Although many now consider Aiyuk one of the NFL’s best wide receivers, he took a few seasons to establish himself. During his rookie season in 2020, Aiyuk made some highlight plays but lacked the receiving yardage to be seen as a bona fide number-one receiver by fans. Aiyuk finished his rookie season with 60 catches on 95 targets for 748 yards and five touchdowns in 12 games. Although Aiyku dealt with injuries as a rookie the bigger concern was the instability at quarterback. By the end of 2020, Aiyuk had played with three different quarterbacks, which likely contributed to him failing to reach 1,000 receiving yards.

During Aiyuk’s second season, the quarterback situation was more stable, with Jimmy Garoppolo starting 15 of 17 games. The stability at quarterback, combined with Aiyuk playing all 17 games, helped him have a better season. However, he still fell short of 1,000 yards receiving, finishing the 2021 season with 56 catches on 84 targets for 826 yards and five touchdowns. Although Aiyuk put together a better second season, getting to 1,000 yards wasn’t possible because Debo Samuel had a 1,405-yard receiving season.

Aiyuk put together his first 1,000-yard campaign during his third NFL season due in part to Samuel missing five games. In 2022, Aiyuk finished the season with 78 catches on 114 targets for 1,015 yards and eight touchdowns in 17 games. He also finished the season with a 20+ yard reception in 13 games. After a season like that, Aiyuk earned respect and recognition as one of the better receivers in the NFL.

This past season, Aiyuk cemented himself as one of the league’s best receivers. Putting together a season with 75 catches on 105 targets for 1,342 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. Aiyuk’s great 2023 season has led to him wanting to receive a massive contract extension. However, disagreements between Aiyuk and the 49ers over his worth have fueled his desire for a trade.

Projected trade

Adam Patrick of The Viking Age proposed a potential trade for Aiyuk that involves Addison.

Vikings Get:

Brandon Aiyuk – WR
2025 seventh-round pick

49ers Get:

Jordan Addison – WR
2026 first-round pick
2025 fifth-round pick

Why trading for Aiyuk isn’t realistic

While the projected trade gives good value to both teams, the probability of this trade happening is low. This is because acquiring Aiyuk comes with a contract extension that most likely exceeds $30 million per season. Although the Vikings aren’t low on cap space signing Aiyuk would tie up over $60 million in their wide receiver room. Even though spending that money would give the Vikings one of the best wide-receiving duos in football it would be a misallocation of funds. Instead of using that money for Aiyuk, to could use it to sure up other positions next offseason.

Furthermore, sending the 49ers a future first-round pick for Aiyuk could be a mistake. Similar to how the Vikings can use the money to shore up other positions, they can also use the pick for the same purpose. While a draft pick carries more risk since it’s based on player potential and not what a player has already done, it’s a risk worth taking. In the end, the best decision the Vikings could make is to suspend Addison and wait for him to come back.

Main Photo: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Joseph Grassano

Joseph Grassano is an experienced NFL writer and lifelong NFL fan. He provides in-depth analysis on everything going on in the NFL, drawing from his extensive knowledge and passion for the sport.