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Chargers Named As Trade Fit For All-Pro Wide Receiver

Bringing in a number one receiver could very well be a priority for the Chargers. With Brandon Aiyuk on the market, he could be the answer.
Justin Herbert, Easton Stick, Los Angeles Chargers

When looking at the Los Angeles Chargers depth chart, it is quite apparent that the Bolts desperately need an alpha wide receiver. Trading away Keenan Allen and releasing Mike Williams was the root of this problem. The Chargers drafted Ladd McConkey to help remedy this issue.

However, a second-round rookie cannot replace two high-quality receivers. Bringing in a true No. 1 option at wide receiver should be a priority for the Chargers.

Chargers Named As Fit For All-Pro Wide Receiver

How Much Would the Chargers Need to Give Up for Brandon Aiyuk?

With plenty of trade rumblings happening for months now about the 49ers leading receiver, Brandon Aiyuk has officially requested a trade. The Los Angeles Chargers have been a team lingering around in the landing spots for Aiyuk. Karl Rasmussen of SI named Aiyuk to the Chargers to be a great fit “… [Chargers are] lacking some valuable experience at the position, and with Herbert’s three top targets no longer with the franchise, Los Angeles would be wise to try to acquire Aiyuk from the Niners.”

As mentioned before, the fit is there for both parties, as Aiyuk wants to get paid and continue being that No. 1 wide receiver option in an offense, and the Chargers have the cap space as well as the need for a WR1, especially one that can play the “X” spot.

A variety of outlets have different values on the 49ers wide receiver, thus trade packages can be extremely varied. However, how NFL teams value Aiyuk is the most important, and these proposed trades show the range given. Keep in mind that Aiyuk will also be asking for a contract north of 30-35 million a year, which the team trading for him would have to pay. This should hurt his trade value.

Proposed Trade No. 1 – A 49er’s Website Perspective on Brandon Aiyuk’s Value

49ers Receive:

  • 2025 first-round pick
  • 2026 sixth-round pick
  • Quentin Johnston

Chargers Receive:

  • Brandon Aiyuk
  • 2025 fourth-round pick

Let’s begin with the trade that would disappoint Charger fans the most: a proposed trade made from Niner Noise. In a last-ditch effort to fix this wide receiver corp, the Chargers trade away 2023 first-round selection Quentin Johnston with other high-end draft capital to acquire the former Arizona State all-star. This would mean all of the praise given to Johnston from General Manager Joe Hortiz, would be just words filled with nothing but air.

The 49ers would get a project at wide receiver. Johnston could fit very well in their offense, considering his ability to generate yards after the catch and the YAC-friendly offense that the 49ers run. Furthermore, they get a first-round pick in the upcoming draft that could also be extremely valuable depending on how the Chargers perform in 2024.

Gosney’s Grade:

Chargers: C

49ers: A-

Proposed Trade No. 2 – A 3-Team Trade?

49ers Receive:

  • Courtland Sutton
  • 2025 second-round pick (via L.A.)

Broncos Receive:

  • Donald Parham Jr.
  • 2025 third-round pick from (via L.A.)

Chargers Receive:

  • Brandon Aiyuk
CBS proposed quite a complicated trade, involving three teams, including division rivals. However, this trade seems to truly benefit every team and could be something that would be interesting to see in the NFL. Starting with the 49ers, getting Courtland Sutton would be interesting for Brock Purdy and his development, as well as the financial freedom they would get, even with Sutton looking for a pay raise. Sutton’s cap hit is $17,395,588 in 2024, which should be nearly half of what Aiyuk would get when he gets paid. Furthermore, a second-round selection in 2025 could also really help remedy the loss that is Aiyuk.
The Broncos receiving a third-round selection and Donald Parham Jr whilst only giving up Sutton would be quite the steal. The value for Sutton should not be any more than a third-round pick anyway, as he will be 29 this coming season and has not had a 1000-yard season since 2019. Keep in mind that a 31-year-old Keenan Allen coming off a career year where he nearly doubled Sutton’s 2023 totals went for a fourth-round selection. Parham Jr is also a nice red-zone threat, giving the Broncos just another weapon.
Finally, the Chargers trade away their second and third-round picks and Parham Jr for a young, elite receiver. Exactly what they need to unlock this offense, even if it is going to be a run-heavy one. Aiyuk can block and take on double teams. That can keep defenses honest with fewer defenders in the “box”. This would be a strong trade option for all teams involved, and very well could be a major blockbuster trade to happen soon.

Gosney’s Grade:

Chargers: A-

49ers: B+

Broncos: A

Main Photo: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Nate Gosney

Nate Gosney

Nate Gosney is a 20 year old football nerd, who has been using his smarts to become an NFL Writer since 2022. Having played in high school all four years at various OL positions, but he eventually found his footing as a blocking Tight End. This journey gives Nate an unique perspective. Trench play & tough football is key to him. Furthermore, he was born and raised a Charger fan. This has led to perpetual heartbreak since 2004. Gosney is a Journalism Graduate from Chaffey College, and is now transferring to Cal State San Bernardino.

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