Could the New York Jets bolster their receiving corps by trading for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk? While Aiyuk recently requested a trade, with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Washington Commanders considered frontrunners, the Jets could emerge as a dark horse contender.
New York has already made significant strides in upgrading their receiving unit this offseason. They signed Mike Williams and drafted Malachi Corley in the third round. However, Williams is recovering from a torn ACL, and Corley’s rookie status leaves questions about the depth chart behind star receiver Garrett Wilson. Aiyuk could be the solution.
Josiah Caldwell of Pro Football Network proposed a trade scenario where the Jets send two 2025 draft picks—a first and a third-rounder—to the 49ers in exchange for Aiyuk. This acquisition would provide Aaron Rodgers with two elite receiving threats. If Williams fully recovers, the Jets’ passing attack could become one of the league’s most potent. Pairing Aiyuk with Wilson would give the Jets a formidable one-two punch at receiver, capable of stretching the field and creating mismatches for opposing defenses.
However, the 49ers are in a win-now mode, aiming for a Super Bowl championship. Trading their top receiver would seemingly contradict this objective, especially after their overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the previous Super Bowl. The 49ers’ front office must weigh the potential return against the impact of losing a key offensive weapon.
Furthermore, the 49ers have navigated similar situations before. In 2022, wide receiver Deebo Samuel requested a trade due to a contract dispute. The 49ers eventually resolved the issue by signing Samuel to a contract extension. While this precedent doesn’t guarantee a similar outcome with Aiyuk, it suggests the 49ers might retain him for at least another season, aiming for a Super Bowl run before revisiting the situation in the following offseason. The team’s history of retaining star players amidst trade demands indicates a preference for maintaining a competitive roster.
Aiyuk is coming off an impressive 2023 season, recording 75 receptions for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns. While he hasn’t earned a Pro Bowl selection yet, he received Second-Team All-Pro honors, solidifying his status as a top-tier receiver. His consistent production and ability to make big plays make him a valuable asset for any team.
The 49ers will likely attempt to appease Aiyuk with a new contract. If negotiations fail, the Jets should seriously consider pursuing a trade. Acquiring a talent like Aiyuk could significantly elevate their chances of competing in a highly competitive AFC East. The potential reward of a significantly improved offense might outweigh the cost of two draft picks.
