The San Francisco 49ers have already lost 17 players from last year including Deebo Samuel, Charvarius Ward, and Dre Greenlaw. They seem to be undergoing a soft rebuild, with some veterans on the roster possibly expendable.
One of those players is Brandon Aiyuk, a 27-year-old wide receiver who is going into the sixth season of his career. In 2023 Aiyuk had the best season of his career, leading to him inking a four-year 120 million dollar deal. He then got off to a slow start in 2024 and would eventually tear his ACL and MCL in the 49ers' seventh game of the season.
Aiyuk was able to get 25 catches for 374 yards in 2024 before his injury including a game against the Cardinals where he had eight catches for 147 yards. In his last full season, he was able to put up 75 catches 1,342 yards, and seven touchdowns and he was a big help in getting the 49ers to the Super Bowl.
With him coming off an injury and the 49ers hitting the reset button while he is in his prime he most likely would like to find a new home. This is where the New England Patriots can offer a trade to get the number one receiver that they need. The injury and rebuild could also mean that the price for Aiyuk is at an all-time low.
The Patriots have nine draft picks this year. With their main priority being a playmaking wide receiver, they should be okay with giving away multiple picks for Aiyuk. It may seem like an overpay but with 18 draft picks over the next two years giving away two or three is completely worth getting a guy like Aiyuk.
Maybe not a first-round pick, but giving away a third-round pick along with a fourth or fifth would seem fair. The 49ers also currently hold the 11th pick in the draft. Maybe a swap where the Patriots get Aiyuk and trade back to 11 and they give up their first and one or two other picks.
Aiyuk is a great route runner who excels in creating separation and getting open. He has great hands and reaction time that allow him to make highlight-level plays. He also has never had any locker room problems that the Patriots need to look out for since they recently stated that they do not want a diva.
The Patriots upgraded their already solid defense to be one of the most talented and deep defenses going into this season. They also will have a second-year Drake Maye with a full offseason as the starter along with really solid contributors at running back and tight end in Rhamondre Stevenson and Hunter Henry. The only thing standing in the way of the Patriots and competing is some receiver and offensive line help.
The Patriots have the fourth pick in the draft along with eight other picks, and even if they trade for Aiyuk they will most likely still have a first-round pick and maintain at least six of their picks. This could be used to get some offensive help from players like Will Campbell, Tetairoa McMillan, or Travis Hunter if he plays both ways.
They also just hosted Stefon Diggs for a visit and players like Keenan Allen, Amari Cooper, and Joseph Noteboom remain free agents. If Aiyuk signs with the Patriots, this could entice free agents to come sign with New England.
Aiyuk would not only give the Patriots their main target but also allow players like Kayshon Bouttee and Romeo Douglas to get more opportunities with the defense being primarily focused on Aiyuk.
The Patriots trading for Aiyuk could benefit both sides and allow Aiyuk to be the top receiver on a playoff team and he could also attract other free agents and trade targets. The Patriots should give San Francisco a call and see what the price for Aiyuk would be.
