The Buffalo Bills shocked the NFL world when they agreed to trade Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans. While this decision impacted the Bills and Texans the most, it also did a number on the San Francisco 49ers. While the team won’t publicly admit it, they are trying to trade Brandon Aiyuk. The former first-round pick is entering the final year of his rookie contract and the two sides are reportedly not close to an extension. With Aiyuk actively frustrated, most believe the 49ers will deal the wide receiver at some point during the NFL Draft.
However, that might not happen following the Stefon Diggs trade. The former All-Pro is coming off a 1,100-yard season and four straight Pro Bowl selections, but the Buffalo Bills could only get a 2025 second-round pick for his services. The 2024 NFL Draft class is loaded with talent at the wide receiver position, and the Diggs trade implies that teams might not be willing to give up too much for Brandon Aiyuk.
What Does the Stefon Diggs Trade Mean For Brandon Aiyuk?
While Diggs might be the bigger name, Brandon Aiyuk should fetch a larger return in a trade. The current 49er was more productive than Diggs last year, had a higher film-based PFF grade, and is five years younger. If the market rate for Diggs was a 2025 second-round pick (roughly equal to a 2024 third-round pick), then Aiyuk should net at least a 2024 second-round pick or a late first-round pick.
This is quite a bit less than what the 49ers are reportedly asking for in a Brandon Aiyuk trade. According to an earlier report, San Francisco and Jacksonville had discussed trading Aiyuk for the 17th-overall pick and wide receiver Zay Jones.
Even if the 49ers can’t get that type of return, they’re still probably going to trade Brandon Aiyuk. Ultimately, this team doesn’t have enough cap space to sign him and Brock Purdy to market-level deals. Seeing as quarterback is the most important position in the game, that makes Aiyuk the odd-man out. Several teams should be interested in his services, but these five make the most sense.
Possible Destinations
Pittsburgh Steelers
Russell Wilson is an upgrade on Kenny Pickett, but the one-time Super Bowl champion is no longer the type of player who can elevate an entire roster by himself. George Pickens is a good receiver, but this team needs to find someone to replace Diontae Johnson. Brandon Aiyuk is a clear upgrade and an ideal trade target for a team hoping to put together a deep playoff run.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers will always be competitive so long as Justin Herbert is under center. With that being said, they’ll have a hard time doing much of anything with this lackluster supporting cast. Assuming the team doesn’t draft Malik Nabers or Marvin Harrison Jr in the first round, they should be willing to trade for Brandon Aiyuk and pair Herbert with an elite weapon.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Widely believed to be the frontrunners in the Brandon Aiyuk trade sweepstakes, the Jacksonville Jaguars could use another wide receiver. After losing Calvin Ridley to the Tennessee Titans, the team now has Gabriel Davis, Christian Kirk, and Evan Engram as the top options for Trevor Lawrence. While this isn’t a bad supporting cast, the group lacks a true difference-maker. The AFC South appears to be one of the most competitive divisions in football, so Jacksonville will need to improve dramatically if they want to host a playoff game.
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are doing their best to give Bryce Young a fair shot in 2024. So far, the team has used their relatively limited resources to fortify their offensive line and acquire Diontae Johnson. These are encouraging first steps, but a trade for Brandon Aiyuk could be the finishing touch. Tyreek Hill, Stefon Diggs, and D.J. Moore did wonders for their young quarterbacks, and Aiyuk could have a similar impact on Young. For better or worse, the fate of the Carolina Panthers rests in Young’s hands, so the team should do everything in their power to ensure he works out.
Kansas City Chiefs
Rashee Rice will probably face a suspension for his role in the six-car crash, so the Chiefs need to get another wide receiver if they’re going to pull off the three-peat. Marquise Brown is a good one-year stopgap, but he’s not a long-term solution at wide receiver. With Travis Kelce also getting older, a Brandon Aiyuk trade could give Patrick Mahomes his next top receiver for the next decade.
Main Photo: Mark J. Rebilas – USA Today Sports
