Brandon Aiyuk's Trade Request: Analyzing the Top Three Destinations and Offers
CBS insider Jonathan Jones has confirmed reports that Brandon Aiyuk has officially requested a trade, suggesting a divorce with the San Francisco 49ers could be imminent. Since unfollowing the team on Instagram on April 14th, Aiyuk mentioned on the Pivot Podcast that he expects to suit up in the colors of one of three teams: the Washington Commanders, the Pittsburgh Steelers, or the 49ers. While the demanded compensation remains undetermined—and it’s uncertain whether San Francisco will be willing to trade the superstar —turning down an estimated $26 million per year contract for a top-10 performer indicates that a king’s ransom will be demanded. For sport, I’ve prepared three trade packages and destinations that would be difficult to turn down. DISCLAIMER: These hypothetical trade proposals are modeled after past deals for players of Aiyuk’s caliber and reflect current market demands.
Commanders Receive: Wide Receiver Brandon Aiyuk
49ers Receive: 2025 First-Round Pick, 2026 Third-Round Pick, and Wide Receiver Jahan Dotson
The Washington Commanders invested a top-20 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft to acquire Penn State standout Jahan Dotson, intending to enhance their receiving lineup alongside Terry McLaurin and Curtis Samuel. Dotson offered immediate gratification in his rookie year but didn’t show enough growth in his sophomore year to make him an indispensable asset. The Commanders also used the 100th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to select Luke McCaffrey, younger brother of Christian McCaffrey, with preparations for him to step into Samuel's role. With strong mutual interest since initial trade rumors in April and Samuel now in Buffalo, Washington might be compelled to punt on Dotson to clear a pathway for Brandon Aiyuk. It’s duly important to note that Aiyuk is seeking a lucrative contract, one that Washington has the resources to fulfill. Jayden Daniels, who shared a brief stint with Aiyuk at Arizona State University, has been a vocal advocate for the disgruntled receiver throughout the offseason, adding another strategic layer to the potential deal. Acquiring Aiyuk would not only reunite the two players, who share established chemistry on and off the field but would also bring a young playmaker on a rookie contract with immense potential to San Francisco’s roster. Whether they value a receiver exchange in a hypothetical trade offer remains to be seen, but it certainly provides food for thought.
Steelers Receive: Wide Receiver Brandon Aiyuk
49ers Receive: 2025 First-Round Pick, 2026 Second-Round Pick and Corner Back Cam Sutton
Brandon Aiyuk, whose shocking resemblance to recently extended head coach Mike Tomlin has sparked playful banter on social media, was nearly acquired by the Steelers on draft day. Pittsburg reportedly had a trade package in place that was swiftly rejected by the 49er’s general manager John Lynch. With Diontae Johnson's departure to Carolina and Aiyuk naming the Steelers as a potential trade destination, there appears to be mutual interest in the event a deal is orchestrated. The suggested package closely considers the Steelers’ razor-thin depth at wide receiver beyond breakout candidate George Pickens. Instead of a shiny new toy on offense, the Niners receive top-50 picks in succeeding drafts, while patching a glaring void in the secondary. Cam Sutton, who received an eight-game suspension without pay for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy, would be reinstated in time for a run at a Wild-Card bye and postseason run. It’s a complex situation, as Pittsburgh re-signed the veteran corner who departed for Detroit a season ago, but the aforementioned suspension may have led to buyer's remorse.
Patriots Receive: Wide Receiver Brandon Aiyuk
49ers Receive: 2025 First-Round Pick, 2026 Second-Round Pick and Safety Jabrill Peppers
At no point in the offseason has Brandon Aiyuk been linked to the New England Patriots, nor has the club expressed interest in a potential partnership, but both sides possess what the other needs. New England currently boasts the highest cap space in the NFL at $41 million, projected to have nearly four million more than the second cap-wealthiest team in 2025, according to Spotrac's salary tracker. On the flip side, despite investing multiple draft picks and signing JuJu Smith-Schuster last offseason, the Patriots still lack a dependable starting wideout that’ll ease Drake Maye’s transition into the NFL. After parting ways with Bill Belichick and transitioning from Mac Jones to Maye, it's clear that the Patriots are fully committed to a comprehensive rebuild and are prioritizing youth across their lineup. Despite continued productivity into year eight, Jabrill Peppers will turn 29 in October and could be viewed as an expendable asset who doesn’t fit the timeline. The potentially lethal safety tandem that could emerge from pairing Peppers and Talanoa Hufanga should be enticing enough to attract considerable interest from Lynch who could use a reinforcement.
