San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk requested a trade recently. At the end of the day, it’s unclear whether he’ll stay in San Francisco or get sent to another team. Should the Indianapolis Colts pursue a trade for Aiyuk?
Vinnie Iyer of Sporting News thinks Indy is one of the top landing spots:
“The Colts have Michael Pittman Jr. extended well for Anthony Richardson, but there are questions behind him at wide receiver in youngsters Alec Pierce, Josh Downs and AD Mitchell.”
Aiyuk would be a great pickup for the Colts. The 2020 first-round pick is one of the NFL’s best-blocking wide receivers. He was a second-team All-Pro last season after catching 75 passes for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns. However, it’s in the Colts’ best interest not to pursue a trade for Aiyuk.
The Indianapolis Colts Should Not Trade for Brandon Aiyuk
Let Their Receiving Corps Jell
Indy’s WR room is led by Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, Alec Pierce, and rookie Adonai Mitchell. Ashton Dulin and 2024 fifth-round pick Anthony Gould are also in the mix.
Pittman had a great 2023 season. The USC product caught 109 passes for 1,152 yards (both career-highs). Downs had a solid rookie year with 68 receptions and 771 yards.
Pierce didn’t put up the greatest stats (32 catches for 514 yards). But he could have a much better 2024 season with quarterback Anthony Richardson returning. Richardson, of course, missed most of last year due to injury. He has a cannon for an arm, which is necessary for a deep-threat receiver like Pierce to shine,
A second-round pick in this year’s draft, Mitchell has a ton of potential. He just might become the team’s No. 1 receiver in the not-so-distant future.
In a trade for Aiyuk, the Colts would possibly have to give up a first-round pick. Plus, he’s looking for a big payday. The Colts should keep their young, talented receiving corps together and let them grow together. It would be cheaper, and the unit has the potential to be electrifying. If Downs takes a Year 2 leap and Mitchell proves to be an impact player, the sky is the limit.
Too Expensive
Money is the reason for Brandon Aiyuk’s trade request. He has failed to land a contract extension from the 49ers this offseason. He will make $14.1 million in 2024 but is seeking an extension that is likely worth $30 million per year.
The Colts have roughly $25 million in cap space. With that said, they can afford to make a trade for Aiyuk. However, they already gave Pittman a three-year, $70 million extension this offseason. Having two receivers with huge contracts isn’t the best thing in the world.
Perhaps signing a veteran defensive back like Justin Simmons would make more sense. The secondary is the Colts’ biggest weakness heading into the 2024 season.
It’s unlikely that the 49ers trade Aiyuk this summer. He’s easily one of their most important players and helped the team make a Super Bowl appearance last season. But if San Francisco does make him available, the Colts need to stay away. Adding a wide receiver isn’t their biggest need.
Main Image: Stan Szeto – USA Today Sports
