On July 16th, 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk requested a trade amidst being disgruntled with the team for not meeting his new contract demands. Under no circumstances, barring a Godfather-esque offer, should the Niners even consider moving Aiyuk. He lacks the accolades other elite wide receivers around the league have, he has never been a pro bowler, an all-pro, or lead the league in any of the major receiving categories. In fairness to Aiyuk, that doesn’t it tell the full story about how excellent he’s been, or his value to the super bowl aspirations the 49ers have.
Aiyuk is an elite route runner, his ability to create separation at all three levels of the field is key to the ways head coach Kyle Shanahan wants to run his scheme. He opens up the field for fellow receiver Deebo Samuel and running back Christian McCaffrey to work in the short game and in the run game. Deebo and CMC are both weapons in the passing game, particularly within 10 yards with space, but neither can work down the field and run as many routes effectively as Aiyuk can.
He has improved each of his numbers every year since being drafted by the 49ers in 2019, even escaping Shanahan’s doghouse early in his career for not being a willing blocker. Many receivers with the talent Aiyuk have wouldn’t be willing to add blocking to their game, it speaks volumes to how coachable he is that he has become a willing and capable blocker in the run and screen game to continue to elevate the offense. It is not an exaggeration to say Aiyuk is exactly the type of player you hope to hit on in your draft, a hard working and talented young player who sets a new standard every year.
Source: #49ers All-Pro WR Brandon Aiyuk has officially requested a trade after an offseason of unsuccessful attempts to reach an extension.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) July 16, 2024
Despite a recent meeting, the Niners haven’t been willing to engage in negotiations since May so Aiyuk has respectfully asked out. pic.twitter.com/EWxYMvsHch
Brandon Aiyuk odds via @SportsLine 📊 pic.twitter.com/qFsUg4TF1s
— Michael Rimmer (@avl_mike) July 16, 2024
49ers Current Contracts
Unfortunately, the 49ers have several large contacts on offense and defense already on the books: CMC and Deebo, TE George Kittle, LB Fred Warner, DE Nick Bosa, DL Javon Hargrave, DB Charvarius Ward, and OL Trent Williams are all on the books for large pay days, with a possibly massive extension coming next year for Quarterback Brock Purdy. Adding Aiyuk on a market deal, which has been booming for wide receivers over the last few years, would cripple their ability to add talent at other positions and retain their own talent moving forward.
Despite that I believe it would be worth it, but with a sacrifice on offense. This past draft the 49ers selected Florida WR Ricky Pearsall at pick No. 31, presumably because they knew that they could not afford both Deebo and Aiyuk on lucrative contracts. In my opinion, it should be Deebo that is moved to accommodate Aiyuk’s new deal, not vice versa. Samuels versatility as a runner and receiver is extremely valuable to any offense, particularly to the 49ers, where athleticism and speed are paramount. He also brings physicality and is arguably the best run-after-catch threat in the NFL.
Decision Time
Samuel feels a little redundant in this offense since the acquisition of McCaffery. CMC is the superior version of Deebo; he runs better in between the tackles, he is a more effective chain mover in the short passing game, and he’s the best redzone threat in football. Deebo is more of a threat after the catch, but outside of that he doesn’t bring anything to the table CMC doesn’t already do in spades. Tight End George Kittle also offers incredible YAC ability, inline blocking, and blocking in space; nothing Deebo brings to the offense cannot already be replaced by an active player on the roster, and replaced effectively on top of that.
Deebo also has injury concerns due to the physical nature of his playstyle, he doesn’t usually miss entire games, but he is often dealing with nagging injuries that clearly affect his play. He’s not a great route runner, so you have to consider how his game will age once he loses a step. Aiyuk, on the other hand, offers an irreplaceable skill set. It’s possible that the rookie Pearsall can eventually get to that level, he is a naturally smooth route runner and has excellent hands.
I wouldn’t leave my Super Bowl chances to chance, especially a possibility that could be years of development away. San Francisco can gain assets from trading away Deebo now to make way for Aiyuk’s extension, all while maintaining their explosive offense. Perhaps the 49ers will find a way to keep both, but I don’t think trading Aiyuk should even be in the discussion. If one needs to go, it should be Deebo Samuel.
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