San Francisco 49ers Considering Trading Wide Receivers Ahead of NFL Draft
ICARO Media Group
The San Francisco 49ers are reportedly exploring the possibility of trading one of their top two wide receivers, Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel, ahead of the upcoming NFL Draft, according to sources. Talks have been held with multiple teams, including a team in the top 10, as the 49ers aim to make strategic moves to acquire more draft picks.
While the 49ers have shown interest in extending Aiyuk's contract, all options remain on the table as they weigh the potential benefits of trading either him or Samuel. Negotiations for Aiyuk's extension are currently underway, but the team's focus on the draft and the opportunity to acquire additional picks has prompted discussions about moving one of their prized receivers.
With the No. 31 overall pick, the 49ers possess valuable collateral that could be used to move up in the draft or acquire another first-round pick. The team's intentions regarding their receiver position will depend on the outcome of ongoing talks.
Aiyuk, a first-round pick in the 2020 draft, is currently playing under the fifth-year option, which amounts to $14.1242 million. However, he is seeking a new contract and may not opt to play under the fifth-year option if a more lucrative deal is not reached. Although Aiyuk's agent has refuted reports of a trade request, the uncertainty surrounding his contract situation leaves his future with the 49ers uncertain.
If the 49ers decide to trade Samuel, the acquiring team would inherit the remaining two years and $52.8 million on his three-year extension. Samuel, who showcased his skills with 60 catches, 892 receiving yards, and a touchdown last season, could be an attractive option for teams in need of a proven playmaker.
The 49ers may also look to utilize their draft capital to select a new receiver to complement their offensive unit. The ultimate decision of whether to trade Aiyuk or Samuel will likely hinge on which wide receiver the interested teams value more.
As the NFL Draft approaches, fans and pundits eagerly await further updates on the 49ers' potential moves at the wide receiver position. Only time will tell who will be donning the red and gold for San Francisco in the upcoming season.