The Brandon Aiyuk trade rumors are about to heat up for training camp. The NFL Network and ESPN's Adam Schefter report Aiyuk has requested to be dealt from the 49ers while he waits to get a lucrative long-term contract extension.
The wide receiver is set to make $14.124 million in the fifth and final year of his rookie pact, but San Francisco has yet to lock him up beyond picking up his club option for 2024. Although the 49ers haven't flinched in terms of giving into Aiyuk, and still no have plans to trade him, they can expect other teams to stay interested until his future beyond this season is resolved.
Keeping that in mind, here's looking at the five top fits for him in a trade partner:
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Brandon Aiyuk best landing spots
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers have around $15 million in salary cap space so the money works out in the short term. The bigger challenge is making that fit work long-term since the team would need to extend Aiyuk to his liking. But this hottest offseason-long rumor still makes the most sense given young George Pickens is the current No. 1 option in a downfield-oriented passing game with strong-armed Russell Wilson.
Pickens and Aiyuk would provide Wilson with two speedy deep threat playing off the run. The Steelers have plenty of monetary flexibility offensively with no big contracts to weigh there.
Indianapolis Colts
These teams made a notable swap not too long ago with DeForest Buckner going from the 49ers to the Colts. Chris Ballard and John Lynch could swing a similar aggressive deal involving a first-rounder.
The Colts have Michael Pittman Jr. extended well for Anthony Richardson, but there are questions behind him at wide receiver in youngsters Alec Pierce, Josh Downs and AD Mitchell. Shane Steichen, their offensive-minded coach, came from the Eagles where he maximized the duo of A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. After he left, Philadelphia was able to lock up both even after paying Jalen Hurts top-market QB dollars.
Pittman and Aiyuk could re-create that situation for the massive-armed Richardson, further boosting him beyond a strong offensive line and great running of Jonathan Taylor. The Colts also have more than $25 million in cap space.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers are trying to figure out a lot in the passing game. Second-year first-rounder Quentin Johnston doesn't inspire much confidence and a lot is being put on rookie Ladd McConkey and former top backup Josh Palmer. The Chargers are about to go run-heavier under Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman despite having Justin Herbert. But that also means they need to consider adding a field-stretcher to match Herbert's own cannon.
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New England Patriots
The Patriots have the league's most cap space (more than $40 million). They also have limited answers at wide receiver for rookie first-round QB Drake Maye. Aiyuk would immediately become their clear No. 1 and be set up for one of the league's richest wide receiver contracts.
Washington Commanders
Terry McLaurin is a great alpha for Jayden Daniels in Kliff Kingsbury's new offense, but the jury remans out on 2022 first-rounder Jahan Dotson. Their third receiver at the moment is a rookie, Luke McCaffrey.
The Commanders' general manager is Adam Peters, who was the 49ers assistant GM to Lynch the past three years before leaving for his promotion. With around $37 million in cap space and a QB on a rookie contract, like the Patriots and Colts, Washington can take a shot on Aiyuk to deliver a strong 1-2 punch with McLaurin.
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