The Los Angeles Chargers and Baltimore Ravens are potential suitors for star wideout, Brandon Aiyuk after trade request. According to a report, the wide receiver officially requests a trade from the team after waiting all offseason for a new contract. Training camp is right around the corner, so the 49ers have to make a plan even though they have “no intentions” of trading him. However, no one should doubt the team of trading him at all since his holdout could force the 49ers’ hand to make a decision.
New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers may be among the teams inquiring a trade for Aiyuk but there may be other future suitors. According to a CBS report, the source may top five logical landing spots as he seeks a new team before this upcoming year. The Chargers were one of the names in the report that could still use a proven wideout to help Justin Herbert. Jim Harbaugh may be infusing an old-school run-built offense but since the exit of Mike Williams and Keenan Allen, they should look into bringing in a reliable pass catcher.
Aiyuk is entering the final year of his rookie contract and will earn $14.1 million for the upcoming season. It doesn’t seem easy for other teams to become interested if they don’t have the salary cap for it. The 49ers haven’t been willing to engage in negotiations with Aiyuk since May. However, it’s not stopping Aiyuk from demanding the contract he wants and he’ll likely get a new deal elsewhere but the only team that’s holding him back are the 49ers.
The Ravens are one prime example that can’t afford a wideout but they need one since sources are predicting a bust season for Rashod Bateman.
Chargers, Ravens Are Suitors for Star Wideout Brandon Aiyuk After Trade Request
Other Potential Trade Fits
New Orleans Saints
The team is going to have to get creative if they’re thinking about bringing a star wideout like Aiyuk on a mega contract. New Orleans can’t afford him but if they want to take a risk for Derek Carr’s success then they could. Many should expect depths of hell to happen on this offense with the way it’s looking since they have just Rashid Shaheed and Chris Olave. However, there’s no question that Aiyuk would be the man to take this team to the next level.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers may be his next stop to stay in the NFC and team with Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen. The team wouldn’t hesitate to take a look at Aiyuk since they’re building a strong supporting cast for Bryce Young. Things are looking bright for them as far as their future so his addition would automatically make them contenders. Aiyuk is just one person but he makes a splash impact on any team he lands next.
Kansas City Chiefs
It’s unlikely to see the 49ers trade Aiyuk considering the history they have against each other in past Super Bowls. However, if you can’t beat him then join them, right? It may just happen if the Chiefs give the 49ers a lot on the table if they look to negotiate a trade. Kansas City only has Kadarius Toney, Skyy Moore and Mecole Hardman as depth behind Xavier Worthy and Marquise Brown.
Rashee Rice plans to miss some time due to off-field issues so he won’t be in the mix for a while. The Chiefs haven’t been finding a consistent wideout since Tyreek Hill’s departure. Instead of relying on Travis Kelce, he could team with Aiyuk to create a scary superstar duo.
