Will the San Francisco 49ers trade Brandon Aiyuk? has emerged as one of the most important offseason questions.
John Lynch has said no at every turn up until now, and it’s generally accepted that when draft week eventually arrives, that won’t change.
The 49ers’ top receiver from the previous two seasons—who was selected to the second team All-Pro in 2023—would probably require at least a first-round choice in the 2024 draft to be parted with.
Even then, there isn’t a wideout in a packed class who could immediately duplicate the effect of Aiyuk, which is a major reason why the 49ers probably wouldn’t be motivated to make such a move until they can get into the top 10. Therefore, it would be more logical for the Niners to carry out their stated plan and sign a top receiver in the NFL to a long-term contract.
But if the 49ers could somehow crack the top 10, things would be different. That’s the scenario ESPN’s Bill Barnwell suggests in his all-trades first-round mock.
According to Barnwell, the 49ers’ first-round pick (31st overall) and their third-round pick (94th overall) will be traded for Aiyuk, the Los Angeles Chargers’ fifth overall pick and a sixth-round pick (181st overall).
The 49ers would be able to select LSU’s Malik Nabers, who is regarded by some as the best receiver in the draft, if they were to move up to the fifth pick.
Nabers, who just finished his final season with 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns, is a great fit for the Kyle Shanahan offense and compares favorably to Aiyuk.
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