49ers hypothetical blockbuster sends superstar receiver to Bills

The San Francisco 49ers and their star wide receiver have been locked in a contract stalemate all summer long. Even if they'd rather hang onto him, he could force his way out of town.

Brandon Aiyuk has been the subject of trade rumors for weeks, with the latest reports making it seem as though he will either remain in San Francisco or head to the Pittsburgh Steelers. But could other teams get into the mix if Aiyuk continues shutting down the 49ers' extension offers?

One writer seems to think that could be the case. And his number one potential trade destination for Aiyuk is sure to get people in upstate New York excited.

Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report wrote Wednesday that the Buffalo Bills would be his top trade destination for Aiyuk, should the wideout open himself to destinations outside San Francisco and Pittsburgh.

"There's a void in Buffalo now that Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis are gone, and it's possible the Bills will decide they need younger reinforcements for Josh Allen," Gagnon said. "If that's the case, Aiyuk would be silly not to consider joining a contender like Buffalo."

Aiyuk, 26, was phenomenal for the 49ers in 2023. He racked up 75 receptions, 1,342 yards, seven touchdowns, and was named a second-team All-Pro by the Associated Press.

Though Aiyuk is set to make $14.1 million in 2024 after the 49ers picked up his fifth-year option, he seems to want roughly double that in annual salary moving forward. Recent reports have placed extension offers in the $28 million annual value range.

The Bills, meanwhile, have just $6 million in cap space, per Spotrac, which would make a deal tough to fit under the cap and likely necessitate converting other players' salaries into signing bonuses.

Though it could be difficult to swing, adding Aiyuk would make the Bills a much more formidable threat in 2024, as they try to avenge yet another painful playoff loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. But can general manager Brandon Beane find a way to make it happen?

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