Brandon Aiyuk trade fits Ravens due to Lamar Jackson's surprising similarity with Brock Purdy

Blockbuster NFL trades don't usually happen during the summer, but San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk could spark an exception.

The fifth-year wideout wants to remain in the Bay Area, but his side and the Niners remain apart in contract negotiations. This is what pushed the 26-year old playmaker to meet with the club Monday.

If Aiyuk and San Fran can't agree on an extension, a trade could be the best possible scenario for both sides. Don't count the Baltimore Ravens out as a potential partner.

Why Brandon Aiyuk would fit in Baltimore

A common struggle for the Ravens over the last several years is finding the right wide receivers to fit in an offense centered around Lamar Jackson. The two-time MVP quarterback loves going to his tight ends through the air, but rounding out the passing game with reliable weapons on the perimeter is how they can get over the hump with No. 8 in the pocket.

Aiyuk would be, far and above, the best wide receiver to ever play with Jackson. But talent isn't enough to be a fit.

There are significant differences between Baltimore's offense and the one Aiyuk is familiar with out in Santa Clara. However, Nicholas McGee of A to Z San Francisco pointed out that Jackson and 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy hold the ball for an extremely similar amount of time on average. 

Similar timing of passes could lead to an easier transition. 

"Lamar Jackson isn't exactly renowned for getting the ball out quickly. However, his average time of throw of 2.95 seconds, per NextGen Stats, was actually only slightly slower than that of Purdy (2.88), and Aiyuk would surely jump at the chance to play with the reigning MVP." - Nicholas McGee, A to Z San Francisco 

A pairing of Aiyuk and Rashod Bateman would give the Ravens two receivers who could line up on the ball and move into the slot when needed. Per McGee, Aiyuk was Pro Football Focus' second-highest graded slot receiver in the NFL last year.  

Add in Zay Flowers coming off a spectacular rookie season, and that's a lethal trio no defense would want to man up against. Did we mention Mark Andrews and Derrick Henry are in the mix as well?

Trading for Aiyuk would be an incredible power move for the Ravens. They'd have to get creative in terms of cap management, but they did well to avoid those problems this offseason.

It all falls on the 49ers reeling him back in. If not, the Ravens should pounce at the opportunity.