GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 17: Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk #11 of the San Francisco 49ers during the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on December 17, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona. The 49ers defeated the Cardinals 45-29. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
San Francisco 49ers star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has emerged as one of the top names in the trade rumor mill.
With the 2020 first-round pick completing the fourth year of his rookie deal, he is now eligible for a contract extension. Many wonder if Aiyuk will end up pricing himself out of town, and if he’s even keen on returning to San Francisco anyway following some recent social media activity:
— Dev 🥷🏽 (@NinerDev) February 13, 2024
The 49ers may have no choice but to eventually trade Aiyuk, and there’s one team in the NFC that could especially use the YAC monster to bolster their offense.
New York hasn’t had a 1,000-yard receiver since 2018, when Odell Beckham Jr. hit the mark. Darius Slayton led the G-Men in rushing last season, finishing with 50 receptions for 770 yards and four touchdowns.
Brandon Aiyuk is everything the #49ers want in a WR
He’s one of the best route-runners in the league, creates separation, is great at the catch point, and a willing blocker in the running game.
If they choose to not re-sign him it’s a betrayal of their identity on offense. pic.twitter.com/fympFmqoMw
— Natasha Romanoff (@Natashaabarton1) February 21, 2024
The Giants should offer the 49ers the following package for the two-time 1,000-yard wide receiver: Fellow wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson, the No. 39 pick in 2024 and a 2025 fourth-round draft choice.
Giving up a first-round pick is too much, especially with the Giants holding the No. 6 selection. But a second-rounder is fair value for a soon-to-be 26-year-old wideout, and the speedy Robinson could find a nice home in Kyle Shanahan’s offense.
In landing Aiyuk, the Giants would finally have a quality WR1 to help Daniel Jones. If they wanted to get extra bold, the G-Men could even double down at WR by using the No. 6 pick on a top prospect like Rome Odzune or Malik Nabers.
Bottom line: Aiyuk is the perfect target for the Giants. And if the 49ers end up shopping him, Joe Schoen has to pick up the phone and talk business with John Lynch.
