The Carolina Panthers or Los Angeles Chargers may pursue All-Pro wide receiver, Brandon Aiyuk as trade talks heat up before this upcoming season. According to a report, one source believes there’s a real possibility that the 49ers are leaning towards trading Aiyuk instead of signing him to a new contract. This comes after Aiyuk has been the main spotlight of trade rumors all season long even though San Francisco was not looking to trade him before the regular season begins next month. However, it’s still going to take a lot from opposing teams like the Steelers, Browns and Patriots to get him in return with a lot of receivers to help replace Aiyuk.
It looks nearly impossible for the teams to do so but don’t count out a team this year since anything can happen. Adam Schefter said that Aiyuk has the decision to refuse to go to a team in a trade if he doesn’t feel it. Aiyuk already has his two dream teams he would like to land with which are the Steelers and the Washington Commanders but he become more open to other teams. However, John Lynch already said this offseason that they plan to stick with Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel this upcoming season but feelings always change.
The Panthers are one team he would probably refuse to debut with since they’re building talent there with a promising Bryce Young. Aiyuk would take the spotlight but that would likely mean that the Panthers would give up Adam Thielen who has already been a lot of trade rumors too. However, the Chargers could get desperate midseason if they feel their core receivers Quentin Johnston, Josh Palmer and DJ Chark are not working out. They could trade three of them and a future first-rounder for Aiyuk.
Panthers, Chargers May Pursue All-Pro Brandon Aiyuk as Trade Talks Heat Up
Other Potential Trade Fits
Baltimore Ravens
John Harbaugh could get sneaky before this upcoming season if he doesn’t see Rashod Bateman as one of their long-term wideouts. Zay Flowers and Aiyuk on one team would become a problem for opposing defenses in the AFC and it’s outside of the NFC so it works for both sides. However, the 49ers would likely want a wideout in return so they could trade Nelson Agholor and two future first-round picks to make things work. Interestingly, Aiyuk probably wouldn’t ask for a huge contract considering that he’s going to a championship team.
This means good news for the Ravens since they would necessarily need to worry about Lamar Jackson lacking weapons since he’ll have everything in his possession.
Kansas City Chiefs
The core receiving group for the Chiefs has been lacking for the past two years despite winning back-to-back Super Bowls. However, this could all crack this upcoming season since Rashee Rice may miss some regular season time due to off-field issues. They’re counting on Marquise Brown to fill in some big shoes but no one should expect a slot receiver to take on such a role. This leaves incoming rookie Xavier Worthy and a lackluster Kadarius Toney who’s been falling down the depth chart.
They need some star power to ensure the offense never lacks as long as Patrick Mahomes is on the field. They never seem to do since Travis Kelce is out there with assistance but that shouldn’t be a long-term reliability.
Dallas Cowboys
Close your eyes, Cowboys fans, this may be just another dream but it shouldn’t surprise anyone if there are rumors this season about Aiyuk potentially heading to Dallas. They would need to give CeeDee Lamb who is already holding out of camp as well but it becomes one problem in exchange for another which wouldn’t make sense technically. However, anything could happen if Dallas becomes desperate since they don’t want Brandin Cooks and Jalen Tolbert to take on huge roles as starters.
