The Brandon Aiyuk saga is still ongoing, even as the San Francisco 49ers prepare for their Saturday night preseason opener.
San Francisco reportedly agreed to the “framework” of an Aiyuk trade with the New England Patriots earlier this week. However, the All-Pro wide receiver rejected the deal over concerns about the state of the AFC East team’s quarterback room.
While the Pittsburgh Steelers still seem like Aiyuk’s most likely destination, the 49ers might have to get creative. Is the NFL ready for a three-team blockbuster trade?
49ers Exploring 3-Team Trade for Brandon Aiyuk?
A Super Bowl-caliber team like the 49ers trading one of their best players right before the start of the season would represent an unprecedented NFL transaction.
Kyle Shanahan and Co. were a few plays away from beating Patrick Mahomes in two of the past five Super Bowls. They’ve appeared in three straight NFC Championship Games. Their over/under for 2024 is 11.5, tied with Mahomes’ Kansas City Chiefs for the NFL’s highest win total.
Obviously, San Francisco still plans to compete next season. So it might not be all that surprising that the 49ers want to acquire a wide receiver who can help replace Aiyuk as part of a trade.
Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported Thursday that San Francisco’s need for an Aiyuk fill-in is one of “several factors” involved in trade talks. While Dulac noted the Steelers don’t want to include any of their players in an Aiyuk package, we’re guessing Pittsburgh could be persuaded to budge on the right player (more on that in a moment).
Meanwhile, Rich Eisen asked NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo on Thursday whether the 49ers would look into three-team trades — an idea Garafolo didn’t refute (3:00 mark below).
It does not appear to be about money for Brandon Aiyuk as he reportedly turned down $32M/yr from #NEPats in a potential trade:#NFL #NFLPreseason #FTTB pic.twitter.com/XTSuWYEiMa
— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) August 8, 2024
“I have no doubt in my mind that the 49ers have had those conversations,” Garafolo said. “I have been told that. They’re nosing around the league. And the problem is nobody’s really got an excess of receivers that can give you that caliber of guy you’re looking for.”
Garafolo is correct. Not only are there not many NFL teams rostering extra pass catchers that they’d be willing to give away, but most clubs probably aren’t interested in tinkering with their depth charts at this point in the year.
Still, we found one team that might be able to work its way into the 49ers-Steelers Aiyuk negotiations and emerge as a winner.
Brandon Aiyuk Trade Proposal for 49ers, Steelers, Broncos
Are the Denver Broncos willing to trade wide receiver Courtland Sutton? The 28-year-old has been the subject of trade rumors since head coach Sean Payton took over in 2023. Denver held onto Sutton despite reportedly receiving interest at last year’s trade deadline and again during the 2024 offseason. Still, it could be ready to move him if the right offers come along.
Sutton isn’t a perfect replacement for Aiyuk. He’s older, slower, and less dynamic in space and after the catch.
However, he shares some similar playstyle traits with the 49ers WR. Sutton, who has four inches on Aiyuk, could work as a vertical receiver for Brock Purdy while Deebo Samuel Sr. handles short and intermediate responsibilities.
Sutton and Aiyuk are both powerful at the catch point. Aiyuk tied for third (61.5%) in PFF’s contested catch rate in 2023; Sutton (57.1%) was ninth.
If the 49ers are open to acquiring Sutton, can we get this trade over the finish line? Here’s our proposal for Pittsburgh, San Francisco, and Denver:
- Steelers receive: WR Brandon Aiyuk
- 49ers receive: WR Courtland Sutton, 2025 first-round pick (from PIT)
- Broncos receive: WR Van Jefferson (from PIT), 2025 fifth-round pick (from PIT), 2026 fifth-round pick (from SF)
The Steelers land Aiyuk and immediately sign him to a four-year, $116 million extension ($29 million AAV). Contract-year WR trade history dictates a significant package, and Pittsburgh hopes its 2025 first-round pick lands in the back half of Round 1.
Steelers GM Omar Khan sends a 2025 fifth Denver’s way and throws in Jefferson, who’s shined at training camp but won’t have a role with Aiyuk in town. Pittsburgh can start Aiyuk and George Pickens on the perimeter and let Roman Wilson and Calvin Austin III compete for slot snaps.
San Francisco would have Sutton under contract for two years, but his 2025 season would essentially be a non-guaranteed $13.5 million team option. The 49ers grab Pittsburgh’s 2025 first-rounder and secretly cross their fingers that the Steelers’ uncertain QB situation ultimately leaves San Francisco with a top-10 selection in next year’s draft.
Still reeling from Russell Wilson’s dead money, the Broncos are tight on salary cap space in 2024 and 2025. Removing Sutton’s $13+ million base salaries could be a win in and of itself, but Denver also picks up additional Day 3 capital in each of the next two drafts.
Trading Sutton would also clear playing time for young Broncos wideouts Marvin Mims Jr. and Troy Franklin. Denver probably wasn’t going to compete for a 2024 playoff spot with or without Sutton on the roster. By moving the veteran WR, the Broncos will create more opportunities for rookie quarterback Bo Nix to develop with his up-and-coming pass catchers.