Falcons beat writer reveals what it would take for Atlanta to join Brandon Aiyuk sweepstakes

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has made his displeasure with the organization as public as it can get, recently requesting a trade from the storied franchise. Stemming from as early as the post-game interview after San Francisco’s Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII, the 49ers and Aiyuk have been in a back-and-forth all surrounding his potential contract negotiations. However, if San Francisco can’t make the second-team All-Pro happy, his market on the trading block will be robust. There won’t be many teams that couldn’t use a player like Aiyuk, including the Atlanta Falcons . Falcons beat writer for The Athletic, Josh Kendall, shares what he thinks it would take for Atlanta to join the Aiyuk sweepstakes .

DE Zach Harrison and 2025 first-round pick for Aiyuk

The Falcons could be sneakily aggressive participants if there is a real Aiyuk trade opportunity. Atlanta’s brass has shown the desire to be all-in under first-year coach Raheem Morris. Plus, the Falcons were outbid for edge rusher Montez Sweat last year only to watch Sweat turn around the Chicago Bears pass rush, and Atlanta’s unproven wide receiving corps could use a boost. So they would seem happy to offer up their 2025 first-rounder plus a young player. The problem is finding a young player who they can spare and would help San Francisco. Atlanta isn’t deep enough at any position (except quarterback, we know), so any quality player it gives up will hurt. Linebacker Nate Landman would give the 49ers insurance and quality depth while Dre Greenlaw continues his ACL rehab. But the 22-year-old Harrison is a more tempting offer, and 81-year-old Arthur Blank feels like he’s operating with a sense of urgency at the moment

To take Aiyuk off their hands, a potential depth piece at pass-rusher and a first-rounder doesn’t seem too bad, especially if the Falcons must compensate Aiyuk before he even takes the field.

Is this a feasible offer? If Atlanta is serious about competing sooner rather than later, it is. Besides, Atlanta has filled out the defensive line spots where Harrison would be with draft picks like Brandon Dorlus and Ruke Orhorhoro . There’s plenty of room for Harrison to find a new home.

As Kendall said, Blank is 81 years old, and time waits for no man. If the Falcons want to compete sooner rather than later, they must be aggressive.

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