As Brandon Aiyuk trade rumors are as hot as ever, a new team has entered the mix to trade for him.
The Las Vegas Raiders, who are currently undergoing a mini rebuild, could greatly benefit from a young superstar such as Aiyuk, and they have a certain player who they may be willing to part with to get a deal done.
Davante Adams, who has been one of the league's premier receivers for about a decade now, could greatly benefit from joining the San Francisco 49ers' stacked roster.
With Aiyuk recently requesting a trade and Adams boasting veteran presence and experience, here is how a trade between these two receivers could play out for both teams involved:
For the Raiders
Aiyuk is a young receiver with immense potential. At 26-years-old, he has improved every single year he has been in the league. Last season, though, he broke out and took his game to a new level; with 75 receptions, he accumulated 1,342 receiving yards and scored seven touchdowns.
Aiyuk’s ability to create separation, his speed and his playmaking skills after the catch make him a valuable asset, especially for a young and still-improving quarterback. For a Raiders team looking to build for the future, acquiring Aiyuk could provide it with a cornerstone player for years to come.
As everyone knows by now, Aiyuk will not be cheap. The Raiders, however, are in a prime position to pay a player like him, especially if they part ways with Adams and his large contract.
The Raiders hope their rebuild can go quickly and effectively. Aiyuk could be a crucial part of that, not only through his play on the field, but also by building long-term chemistry with the young quarterback and head coach duo of Aiden O’Connell and Antonio Pierce.
For the 49ers
Adams is widely regarded as one of the best wide receivers in the NFL and has had success on both teams he has played for. His route-running, hands and ability to make contested catches set him apart from almost every other receiver in the league.
For a 49ers team in a win-now mode, acquiring a proven superstar like Adams could be the final piece needed to push it over the top.
While Aiyuk is talented, Adams offers a different kind of production that the Niners should quickly benefit from. Aiyuk is less consistent as a pass catcher and more of a deep threat, while Adams is as good of a volume pass catcher as there is in the entire league.
For quarterback Brock Purdy and head coach Kyle Shanahan, adding another workhorse who can rack up yards after the catch to this offense could play directly into this team's strength.
In addition, Shanahan has gotten so much out of less talented receivers than Adams throughout his career — it would be interesting to see what he could get from Adams if given the chance.
As it continues to look less and less likely that Aiyuk will be on the 49ers next season, Adams would be a strong replacement who very well could bring this team over the final hump and it win the Super Bowl.
A trade involving Adams and Aiyuk would be one of the most intriguing moves of this offseason. For the Raiders, acquiring Aiyuk could mean building a young, dynamic core for the future, while the 49ers would get a proven superstar to help them win now.
