49ers Considering Brandon Aiyuk Trade During 2023 NFL Draft

The San Francisco 49ers are actively exploring the possibility of trading wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk before or during the 2023 NFL Draft, which begins on April 25. Aiyuk, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract, is seeking a lucrative extension that the 49ers may not be able to afford due to salary cap challenges. "The 49ers and Aiyuk are 'far apart on negotiations' for an extension," according to reports.

The 49ers have reportedly reached out to at least one other team to gauge interest in trading for the 25-year-old receiver. In exchange for Aiyuk, San Francisco is seeking a 2024 first-round draft pick. However, some NFL executives believe that asking price is too high. "High-ranking executives around the league have balked at that asking price," per sources. The 49ers may ultimately be willing to accept a second-round pick near the start of the round plus an additional mid-round selection.

Any team that acquires Aiyuk would need to be prepared to offer him a contract extension worth over $25 million annually. The Jacksonville Jaguars, Pittsburgh Steelers, Los Angeles Chargers, Carolina Panthers, Kansas City Chiefs, and Baltimore Ravens have all been mentioned as potential landing spots for Aiyuk if a trade materializes.

Why this matters: The potential trade of a young, productive receiver like Aiyuk could have significant implications for the 49ers and any team that acquires him. It also highlights the challenges teams face in managing the salary cap while trying to retain and extend talented players on rookie contracts.

Despite the trade rumors, 49ers general manager John Lynch has publicly stated that the team wants to keep Aiyuk long-term. "Brandon Aiyuk, our wish is that he's here and part of the Niners for the rest of his career," Lynch said. However, he also acknowledged that "anything's possible" when it comes to a potential trade. The 49ers' decision on Aiyuk's future will likely depend on whether they can agree on a contract extension that works for both sides, while also navigating other key contract negotiations with players like quarterback Brock Purdy and wide receiver Deebo Samuel.

Key Takeaways

• 49ers exploring trading WR Brandon Aiyuk before/during 2023 NFL Draft
• 49ers seeking 2024 1st-round pick, but executives view asking price as too high
• Aiyuk seeking lucrative extension, 49ers may not be able to afford due to cap
• Several teams mentioned as potential landing spots if Aiyuk is traded
• 49ers want to keep Aiyuk long-term, but extension negotiations have stalled