49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk sparked another rumor about his potential departure from San Francisco
A trade target linked to the New York Jets has again sparked rumors.
In a TikTok video, 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk claimed, “They [the 49ers] said they don’t want me back… I swear,” while speaking on the phone with new Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels.
"They said they don't want me back... I swear."
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) June 17, 2024
Brandon Aiyuk on facetime with Jayden Daniels 😅
(via brandonaiyuk/tt) pic.twitter.com/bk65hyvvH5
This is not the first time rumors have swirled around the star wide receiver this offseason. Aiyuk is pursuing a new deal and is likely aiming to be one of the highest-paid players at his position. The 49ers, dealing with a roster full of talented players who need to be paid, have not come to an agreement with Aiyuk and are letting the situation play out.
As a result, Aiyuk comments to his former Arizona State teammate could be a ploy to force San Fransciso’s hand. It could also be truthful, meaning that the NFC juggernaut is on the verge of shipping the receiver off to a new team.
They may not be able to afford it now, but the Jets should be one of the teams looking into the star wide receiver. Aiyuk would bring another lethal route runner and separator to the Jets’ offense and form a scary duo with Garrett Wilson. Add in the deep-threat ability of Mike Williams, Malachi Corley’s versatility, and Breece Hall’s dual-threat nature, and the Jets could have the most dangerous offense in the NFL.
Aiyuk also has a key connection to the Jets, overlapping with head coach Robert Saleh for one season in San Francisco. Saleh has had a history of adding former 49ers players during his tenure with the Jets, a trend that continued this offseason with the signing of Javon Kinlaw, who joined Aiyuk as one of the 49ers’ two first-round picks in the 2020 draft.
The most realistic path for the Jets to acquire Aiyuk would be at the trade deadline, as his salary would be prorated based on the week he is acquired. It would be the exact move New York would need to push them over the top in the AFC.
Wide receiver contracts and trades are always tricky, especially when cryptic comments are made on social media. But if Aiyuk is truly available, the Jets should be one of the first teams in line to inquire about acquiring him.
