San Francisco 49ers All-Pro wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk officially requested a trade on Tuesday. NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported the two sides have been unable to reach an agreement on an extension, so Aiyuk has "respectfully" asked out.
Read more: 49ers All-Pro Wide Receiver Brandon Aiyuk Has Officially Requested a Trade
The 49ers and Aiyuk have been in a months-long standstill on contract talks, and finally, it appears Aiyuk has had enough. It's likely clear to him that the 49ers won't give him the contract offer he desires, so he wants to find a team that will.
Of course, the 49ers don't have to trade Aiyuk. Two offseasons ago, star wide receiver Deebo Samuel also requested a trade from San Francisco. However, in the end, the two sides agreed to a massive contract extension, making their star receiver happy.
The 49ers could try this same approach with Aiyuk — it's already been reported they have "no intention" of trading him — or they could honor his request and move him to a team willing to meet his contract demands. Who could that team be? Here are the top three options.
Read more: San Francisco 49ers Have 'No Intention' of Trading Brandon Aiyuk: Report
3. New England Patriots
It's already been reported by Josina Anderson that the Patriots have reached out to the 49ers for Aiyuk over the last few weeks. However, they've been informed he wasn't going to be moved.
Nevertheless, if things change and the 49ers elect to give Aiyuk the trade he desires, the Patriots would be one of the most obvious landing spots.
The Patriots haven't had a true No. 1 receiver since Julian Edelman's last full season in 2019. Since Edelman, they haven't had a single 1,000-yard receiver. This year, their wide receiver room consists of DeMario Davis, Kendrick Bourne, JuJu Smith-Schuster, K.J. Osborn, Jalen Reagor, and rookie Ja'Lynn Polk. They lack a true No. 1 receiver, and Aiyuk would be that guy — and a perfect top target for rookie first-round pick Drake Maye.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers have been a rumored destination for Aiyuk all offseason long. While they have a top receiver in George Pickens on the roster, they traded Pro Bowl Diontae Johnson this offseason.
There's no true No. 2 receiver alongside Pickens — Van Jefferson and rookie Roman Wilson are among the options — and Aiyuk would be a perfect complement. The Steelers have revamped their offense this offseason, and Russell Wilson (or Justin Fields) would benefit from another weapon.
Read more: Steelers QB Battle Between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields Very Much Alive
1. Washington Commanders
The Commanders appear to be the most obvious landing spot for Aiyuk if he's moved. Aiyuk has not only spoken on the phone with new Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels this offseason, he also posted a TikTok of himself watching Commanders' practice film.
Read more: 49ers' Brandon Aiyuk Continues to Hint at Potential Trade Destination
It appears Aiyuk is very interested in joining Daniels in Washington, and Aiyuk, Terry McLaurin, and Jahan Dotson would make up one of the better receiving cores in the NFL.
It was also reported that Washington declined a 49ers' trade offer involving Aiyuk earlier this offseason, which means the two sides have had discussions around the star wide receiver already.
More news: NFL's Top 10 Wide Receiver Rooms Ahead of 2024 Season: Offseason Trades Bring Major Shakeups
About the writer
Noah Camras graduated from USC in 2022 with a B.A. in Journalism and minor in Sports Media Studies. He's worked ... Read more
