Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk enjoyed a breakout season with the San Francisco 49ers, earning Second-Team All-Pro honors from the Associated Press. Despite his success, it appears that Aiyuk’s future with the 49ers is uncertain.
With his contract set to expire after the 2025 season, Aiyuk may explore free agency. To proactively secure assets before potentially losing him without compensation, the 49ers might contemplate a trade this offseason. There have been indications that Aiyuk is interested in joining the Las Vegas Raiders, particularly due to his prior connection with current Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce, who served as an assistant coach during Aiyuk’s time at Arizona State.
Although the Las Vegas Raiders may not have an immediate requirement for a wide receiver, Coach Pierce might aim to overhaul the offense following a challenging season. With Hunter Renfrow possibly departing and Davante Adams at 31 years old, the addition of a promising 25-year-old talent like Aiyuk could fortify the wide receiver unit for an extended period, ensuring its strength for years to come.
However, acquiring the wide receiver via trade will come at a significant expense. The Raiders possess the 13th overall pick in this year’s draft, which is deemed too steep a price for Aiyuk. Alternatively, a first-round pick in the following year’s draft could be a suitable compromise for both parties. If not, the Raiders could consider offering their second-round pick for this year along with their second-round pick for the next year as part of the trade package.
Does Brandon Aiyuk merit a substantial contract?
One crucial factor for the Raiders to weigh if they pursue a trade for Brandon Aiyuk is his impending substantial contract. Before the 2023 season, Aiyuk demonstrated consistent performance as a reliable wide receiver, amassing over 700 receiving yards each season. However, in 2023, he experienced a breakout year, recording an impressive 1,342 receiving yards on just 75 catches.
If he maintains this level of performance in 2024, he’ll undoubtedly command a significant salary increase. With the Raiders already committed to paying Davante Adams $28 million annually through 2026, accommodating another wide receiver with a salary exceeding $25 million per season may pose financial challenges. While Aiyuk has ties to Nevada, having grown up in Reno and spent considerable time in Las Vegas, the likelihood of him accepting a hometown discount remains uncertain.
