The San Francisco 49ers could very well make some major noise during the 2024 NFL Draft Thursday night. One wouldn’t think that would be the case with the defending NFC champions slated to pick 31st overall.
However, general manager John Lynch and Co. have been involved in some big-time trade rumors leading up to the annual event.
That has included the possible trade of star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. The former first-round pick is looking for a contract extension that would make him one of the highest-paid wide receivers in the NFL.
Given how the wide receiver market has played out and looking at the 49ers’ salary cap situation, it’s an open question whether they can afford lucrative extension. Hence, the trade rumors.
We now have some more information on this courtesy of The Athletic’s Dianna Russini. It’s some eye-opening stuff.
“The 49ers have had conversations with teams, including with one picking in the top 10, about trading either of their prized wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel in an effort to move up in the first round,” report on San Francisco 49ers trade talks.
This is some potentially massive stuff right here. The inclusion of former All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel seemingly comes out of absolutely nowhere. He had not been bandied about in trade talks this offseason.
Related: Final 7-round San Francisco 49ers mock draft
San Francisco 49ers trade scenarios in 2024 NFL Draft
- Brandon Aiyuk to the Los Angeles Chargers: In this scenario, San Francisco sends Aiyuk to the receiver-needy Chargers for the fifth overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. The 49ers also send their first-round pick (31st overall) while receiving a mid-round selection from Jim Harbaugh’s team. In turn, they target either Marvin Harrison Jr. or Malik Nabers to replace Aiyuk at wide receiver.
- Brandon Aiyuk to the Jacksonville Jaguars: This has been bandied about a whole heck of a lot in recent weeks. Jacksonville is in need of wide receiver help after losing Calvin Ridley in free agency. Would they be willing to offer up the 17th pick and change for Aiyuk? If so, the 49ers could target another position with that pick while adding Aiyuk’s replacement at 31. We looked at this possibility just recently.
- Deebo Samuel trade to the Pittsburgh Steelers: It might make sense for San Francisco to actually trade Samuel rather than Aiyuk. Deebo could be a bit redundant in the 49ers’ offense with Christian McCaffrey doing his thing. In reality, Aiyuk is the more traditional receiver. This scenario provides Pittsburgh with an offensive weapon it needs while giving the 49ers an additional first-round pick (20th overall).
Related: San Francisco 49ers team needs in the 2024 NFL Draft
More must-reads:
- Predicting NFL playoff bracket and Super Bowl 2025 winner
- Dallas Cowboys reportedly targeting specific player in NFL Draft trade scenario
- Chicago Bears reportedly ‘open for business’ in NFL Draft trade down: A look at some options
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