Examining the 49ers' options to potentially replace WR Brandon Aiyuk
Notably irked by his lack of touches in a 25-22 overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk may be looking to force his way out of town.
Aiyuk’s brother and girlfriend both hinted on social media that the former first-round pick didn’t intend to play for the 49ers in 2024 despite being under contract for one more season, and when asked point-blank about returning to the team, Aiyuk’s answer didn’t exactly paint a picture of optimism.
“If that’s the right move, yeah,” Aiyuk told reporters about his desire to return to San Francisco next season, via Matt Lively of NBC Sports Bay Area.
The 49ers have Aiyuk under contract for 2024 and the two sides can negotiate a long-term contract extension, but if those talks go sideways or the 49ers decide it’s best to part ways with the Second Team All-Pro, here are some options they could consider this offseason.
Swing a trade with the Buffalo Bills
Stefon Diggs hasn’t been happy in Buffalo for the last two years, and general manager Brandon Beane would presumably like to avoid the media circus he’s endured each of the last two offseasons having to answer questions about whether or not Diggs will get traded.
Diggs’ frustration with Buffalo’s inability to get past the AFC Championship game has become increasingly apparent, and if it’s a ring he truly wants, the 49ers give him arguably the best option to get it.
Though Diggs, 30, is considerably older than Aiyuk, 25, and carries a significantly higher cap hit ($27.8M to $14.12M), other details would have to be ironed out to make a deal work.
However, if both sides are dead-set on getting a fresh start, then this could be a trade that works out for all parties involved. Diggs would allow the 49ers passing game to stay as dangerous as ever, and the Bills would get an equally talented playmaker five years younger and $13M cheaper.
Draft Aiyuk’s replacement
Although it’s top-heavy, the 2024 NFL Draft is loaded at wide receiver and San Francisco can land a good one even at pick No. 31. Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr., LSU’s Malik Nabers and Washington’s Rome Odunze are sure to be off the board by then, but that doesn’t mean the 49ers can’t find a stud at the end of Round 1.
Florida State’s Keon Coleman is perhaps the most elusive receiver in the draft, and the player most comparable to Aiyuk. South Carolina’s Xavier Legette is like Aiyuk and 49ers tight end George Kittle rolled into one. He’s 6-foot-3, 227 pounds, can outrun most defenses and he’s a load to bring down in the open field.
Texas’ Xavier Worthy has speed to burn and can double his value as a punt returner. Georgia’s Ladd McConkey may just have the best hands in the draft. LSU’s Brian Thomas Jr. has a nose for the end zone and he’d win a lot of jump balls with his 6-foot-4, 200-pound frame.
In terms of fit in the San Francisco offense, Legette probably is the best option. But if it’s pure playmaking ability the 49ers want, Coleman is the way to go, though they’d likely have to trade up a bit to get him.
If head coach Kyle Shanahan wants a sure-handed pass catcher with a high ceiling, then McConkey should be the pick.
Go all-in on a premier free agent
The Cincinnati Bengals are expected to use the franchise tag on Tee Higgins, but if they have a change of heart, the 25-year-old wideout would be a perfect Aiyuk replacement in head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense.
However, if Higgins doesn’t even make it to market, there are plenty of other comparable options out there.
While nobody in the free-agent class has a skillset like Aiyuk’s in terms of the perfect balance of speed, route running and playmaking ability, between Mike Evans, Marquise Brown, Calvin Ridley, Michael Pittman Jr. and Gabe Davis, the 49ers can at least add a proven veteran to help take some of the pressure off of and double teams away from Deebo Samuel.
Brown or Pittman Jr. make the most sense here.
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