The San Francisco 49ers are once again expected to be among the NFL’s top teams this year, thanks to their roster filled with Pro Bowl and All-Pro talent, particularly on offense. Quarterback Brock Purdy has been an improbable find for the 49ers, transforming from the last player taken in the NFL Draft to becoming a Pro Bowler.
Purdy isn’t the only standout player on the offense, and he might not even be the best. George Kittle is a generational tight end whose recent achievements have been rivaled only by Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs. Additionally, San Francisco boasts two All-Pro wide receivers in Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk.
However, it might not be long before they have to part ways with the latter of these incredibly talented pass catchers.
The San Francisco 49ers and Brandon Aiyuk Are Far Apart in Contract Negotiations
As all football fans know all too well, the 49ers and Aiyuk have been engaged in intense contract talks for several months. There have been rumors, stoked by Aiyuk himself, that the All-Pro wide receiver won’t be returning to San Francisco for the upcoming season ever since the Super Bowl concluded.
This potential departure stems from his desire for a new contract. Negotiations went so poorly leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft that many believed he would be traded. However, the 49ers’ management decided to try to resolve the issues with their star wide receiver and move forward together.
Reports indicate that they have offered him a contract extension worth up to $26 million per year. However, Aiyuk is seeking a deal similar to the $30 million annual salary that Amon-Ra St. Brown received from the Detroit Lions.
With talks stalled and training camp about a month away, speculation continues that San Francisco might ultimately decide to trade him.
The likelihood that the 49ers and Aiyuk can reach an agreement is waning as the days pass. There must be worry that the All-Pro wide receiver, who has stayed healthy throughout the offseason, will remain so into training camp and beyond.
The 49ers would be wise to move the gifted wide receiver and receive something in return if this is the case. The New England Patriots, in the opinion of Niners Wire’s Kyle Madson, would make an excellent trade partner:
Aiyuk is an exceptional player, and his presence would significantly boost any offense, especially New England’s, which is in dire need of receiver talent.
“If New England wanted to offer a package including cornerback Christian Gonzalez and a 2025 first-round pick, the 49ers would certainly listen.”
This trade would be highly beneficial for New England, which has the most salary cap space in the NFL and can afford to pay Aiyuk what he desires. Pairing him with Drake Maye (and Jacoby Brissett) would provide New England with a top-tier wide receiver, bolstering their lackluster offense.
For San Francisco, this deal would bring in a young cornerback with several years remaining on his rookie contract. Additionally, a first-round pick from New England could potentially be a top-10 selection, even with Aiyuk on their roster.