Brandon Aiyuk looking on.
Brandon Aiyuk (Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images)

A rebuilding AFC team is reportedly in discussions with the San Francisco 49ers about a blockbuster trade for superstar wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.

Days after the 49ers traded former All-Pro wideout Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders, Brandon Aiyuk’s name began to pop up again in trade rumors. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Tuesday’s edition of “The Pat McAfee Show” that the 49ers would “absolutely” listen to offers for Aiyuk.

According to a report from James Stewart of 98.5 The Sports Hub in Boston, the New England Patriots are talking to the 49ers about a trade for Aiyuk. The Pats were linked to Aiyuk trade rumors last summer before he signed a four-year extension worth $120 million.

Aiyuk would certainly fill a pressing need for the Patriots, who haven’t had a 1,000-yard receiver since Julian Edelman hit the feat in 2019 — Tom Brady’s final season with the organization.

Tight end Hunter Henry finished as the Pats’ leading receiver in 2024 with only 674 yards on 66 receptions. Demario Douglas was second on the team with 621, followed by Kayshon Boutte with 589.

 

Aiyuk was having a frustrating 2024 campaign before suffering a season-ending ACL tear in Week 7 against the Kansas City Chiefs, finishing the year with just 25 catches for 374 yards and no touchdowns.

49ers Are Better Off Keeping Brandon Aiyuk

Brandon Aiyuk (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

If the 49ers are serious about their willingness to trade Aiyuk, there won’t be a shortage of teams interested in his services. But at the end of the day, the best bet is for the 49ers to keep him as they look to rebound from a tough 2024 season.

Consistent 1,000-yard threats with his YAC (yards after catch) numbers aren’t easy to replace. He perfectly fits Kyle Shanahan’s star-studded offense, and dealing Aiyuk would only push the 49ers further away from title contention.