Overpaying for 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk – whether it’s the Browns, Patriots or Steelers – is worth it

The NFL appears to be on the cusp of a monster trade that has the potential to change the dynamic of the league. San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has made it clear all season that he wants a new deal that will make him one of the highest paid receivers in the NFL. From posting clips of Jayden Daniels to hiding social media posts, Aiyuk has been unusually vocal as he tries to secure his new deal, which may now come from a team other than the 49ers.

As trade rumors swirl and it appears that Aiyuk will be on a new team for the 2024 season, one thing should be clear about the final trade – Aiyuk is important heavy the price the team will pay to get him.

The Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots are among the teams reported to be in talks with the 49ers for Aiyuk’s services. Later on Tuesday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Pittsburgh Steelers were out of favor with Aiyuk. Whoever lives in Aiyuk, it will not be cheap.

Like previous trades involving stars on expiring deals like Jalen Ramsey and Montez Sweat, not only will one of these teams have to trade high-end assets for Aiyuk, the franchise will have to paying him a contract at the market rate. If Aiyuk continues to be the player he was during his time with the 49ers, that’s a good price to pay. He is one of the league’s most explosive receivers and has been a game changer for San Francisco. Aiyuk can beat man coverage, get open deep and convert big plays with a quality that most receivers can only dream of.

Aiyuk also just turned 26 this year, so it’s possible that the team that acquires him will be able to sign him to another extension when he reaches his 30th birthday. There is a lot of value here in getting Aiyuk, even at a cost. According to Sports Info Solutions, Aiyuk ranked first in expected points added per goal (0.63), first in points scored per run (0.104), first the percentage of goals has become the expected score (69.2%) and the second in winning above. (1.2) among 79 receivers with at least 75 catches last year. It’s a lot of numbers thrown around here, but it paints a picture of a player who is among the best in the NFL and a lot the rest of his life.

Both the Patriots and Browns are making sense for Aiyuk. The Patriots recently traded the third overall pick to Drake Maye and have been aggressive in trying to get pieces for him. For a team that just picked in the top five in the NFL Draft, trading away a future starting quarterback would be risky, but Aiyuk paired with Ja’Lynn Polk could be the primary source for Maye to start. quickly. . It’s still early, but if the Patriots really believe in Maye, they need to find a way to make this happen.

The Browns may have to bring back Amari Cooper, who is appealing to the 49ers. Aiyuk would make Cleveland smaller at receiver while giving Deshaun Watson an upgrade on the outside. If the Browns are going to get the most out of Watson and his contract, getting a player like Aiyuk under contract for the next few years is a good way to do it.

The 49ers are a little tight-lipped for reasons and Brock Purdy’s looming, massive contract, but they’re a little more prepared for the moment. Even without Aiyuk they still have an elite group of offensive players and they just made a first round pick in Florida wide receiver Ricky Pearsall. It’s unlikely he’ll turn into the player Ayuk has become, but at least it’s a contingency plan for losing one of the best players in the league.

Now, it’s time to get down to business. Aiyuk will cost more, but it is worth it. The fact that the 49ers held out this long shows his value and they are about to be involved in what will be one of the biggest moves of the offseason.