Five teams that should make a trade offer for 49ers' Brandon Aiyuk

It’s clear by his actions that wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk isn’t happy about where he stands with the San Francisco 49ers since he had just three receptions in a 25-22 overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII on Sunday.

From posting cryptic messages on social media to giving reporters ambiguous answers regarding playing for the 49ers next season, it appears that Aiyuk may be trying to force his way out of town.

The 25-year-old wideout is under contract for one more season with a $14.1 million cap hit under his fifth-year option, and the 49ers brass has made it clear they intend to lock up Aiyuk for the long haul. 

However, if the two sides can’t come to a peaceable agreement, it may be in San Francisco's best interest to trade the All-Pro receiver while his value is arguably its highest rather than risk losing him for nothing next offseason.

Here are five teams who should consider making the 49ers an offer for Aiyuk:

Atlanta Falcons

Three of the Falcons' top four leading receivers this season were tight ends and running backs (Kyle Pitts, Jonnu Smith and Bijan Robinson), and Drake London can’t do it all himself. 

London totaled 69 receptions, 905 yards and two touchdowns. Atlanta’s next closest WR, Mack Hollins, had just 18 receptions and 251 yards. Pairing Aiyuk with London would open up the passing game and provide two excellent options for whoever is under center in 2024.

Buffalo Bills

With Gabe Davis set to hit free agency and Stefon Diggs unhappy for the third straight offseason, the Bills could potentially be in the market for a big-name receiver. 

Buffalo could trade Diggs elsewhere and use some of the draft capital it gets from that deal to acquire Aiyuk. Or perhaps a Diggs-Aiyuk swap could make more sense. Either way, Josh Allen isn’t getting any younger, and the Bills’ Super Bowl window isn’t going to stay open forever.

Chicago Bears

Free-agent-to-be Darnell Mooney likely won’t be back, leaving Chicago with Tyler Scott, Velus Jones Jr. and Collin Johnson as the only players on the depth chart behind star receiver D.J. Moore. 

Whether it’s Justin Fields or USC’s Caleb Williams throwing the ball next season, the Bears need to give Moore (96 receptions, 1,364 yards and eight touchdowns) a running mate who can stretch the field and take away some of the double teams he’s sure to face.