The 49ers may have to make a major offseason trade involving an offensive star in 2024
Brandon Aiyuk of the San Francisco 49ers has developed as one of the NFL’s rising great pass-catchers, forcing the franchise to make a difficult decision about his future.
Aiyuk is being examined as a potential trade candidate in the upcoming offseason, according to ESPN’s Dan Graziano. This conjecture stems from the need for Aiyuk to sign a contract extension, which the 49ers may be unable to finance given their financial constraints.
So far during the 2023 NFL season, Aiyuk has shown off his improvements by recording impressive statistics through 13 games, with 59 receptions for 1,090 yards and six touchdowns.
Taking A Look At The 49ers’ Rising Star And The Future
Aiyuk, a former Arizona State standout, was drafted by the Niners as the 25th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. His rookie season saw him contribute significantly, playing in 12 games and securing 60 catches for 748 yards and five touchdowns.
Aiyuk maintained his excellent performance across all 17 games the next season, catching 56 passes for 825 yards and scoring five times.
It was in his third season that Aiyuk truly flourished, amassing 78 receptions for 1,015 yards and eight touchdowns over a complete 17-game year. Partnering with Deebo Samuel, he forms one of the league’s most dynamic receiving duos.
However, financial constraints may force the 49ers to make tough choices regarding their roster, and Aiyuk could be among the casualties. The team is already projected to exceed the salary cap in the upcoming offseason, and decisions must be made regarding other key players, including newly acquired pass rusher Chase Young.
Considering the talent pool on the 49ers’ roster, it seems inevitable that sacrifices will be necessary. A potential Aiyuk trade could yield substantial returns for the team, and it wouldn’t be surprising if the 49ers explore this option in the offseason.
It’s worth noting that Brandon Aiyuk is scheduled to earn $14.1 million in 2024. Despite the financial challenges, the 11-3 San Francisco team is preparing for a crucial matchup against the Baltimore Ravens on Christmas Day, possibly a preview of a Super Bowl showdown.
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