NFC Contender Contract Talks Could Trigger Blockbuster Trade

NFC contender The San Francisco 49ers contract talks with wide receiver, Brandon Aiyuk could trigger a blockbuster trade for their other star, Deebo Samuel this offseason. It’s been a busy time for the 49ers who are figuring out how to pay both of their receivers to keep them around beyond 2024. However, Aiyuk’s future is still up in the air after general manager John Lynch is insisting they want to keep him on their offense. According to a source, the two are in contract negotiations and the team is aiming for a long-term deal as he enters his last year on the rookie contract.

The 49ers see him as a “key” part of their roster as they want to keep around the same weapons for Brock Purdy in their quest for a Super Bowl ring. However, San Francisco used their first-round pick in this year’s NFL Draft on Ricky Pearsall out of Florida. This could indicate that at least one of their star receivers will likely be on another team soon. According to NFL Network, it was always the plan to keep Aiyuk around who led the team in receiving yards in 2023.

The biggest question is what type of contract will Aiyuk receive since there are already several receivers getting the top dollar. The pressure is on for the 49ers to make a deal beyond what DeVonta Smith, AJ Brown and Amon-Ra St. Brown are receiving. Aiyuk had a standout year last season with 75 receptions, 105 targets and 1,342 yards while adding seven touchdowns in 16 games. Purdy is a system quarterback who needs to be with the same receiver to reignite their chemistry for years to come.

It’s crucial for them, especially after coming close to a Super Bowl earlier last February.

NFC Contender San Francisco 49ers Contract Talks Could Trigger Blockbuster Trade for Deebo Samuel

What Does This Mean for Samuel?

Lynch already said he wants to keep Aiyuk around and that would include their other star, Deebo Samuel. It doesn’t sound promising for him despite the confidence coming from the general manager. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the 49ers were discussing trading the star receiver before making the decision two hours prior to the draft that they weren’t trading him. Lynch probably would be foolish to not find a way to trade Samuel since they’re focusing on Aiyuk’s contract extension.

According to The Athletic, the 49ers may have to cut or trade Samuel after this season to find a way to pay their top guys. This is probably the sacrifice that San Francisco has to make to keep Aiyuk around. The same source said that the 49ers could have got a first-round pick in return for him. However, Samuel never had a full season without an injury which could be convincing for the 49ers to move on.

His healthiest season was his best year in 2021, setting career highs with 77 receptions for 1,405 yards and six receiving touchdowns. Given his injury history, the trade wouldn’t be the biggest surprise like the Stefon Diggs deal. Despite that, here are some team trade fits for Samuel.

Possible Team Trade Fits

The Chargers still have a high need for a top-star wide receiver for Justin Herbert. They were able to sign DJ Chark to help Quentin Johnson and Josh Palmer but that doesn’t sound promising. They need a big-play threat and that could be Samuel if he can stay healthy. Another fit would be for the Saints to team with Chris Olave to provide Derek Carr and the offense some speed to the receiving corps.

The outlook of the roster for the receiver depth doesn’t look intriguing so Samuel in the mix could have people talking. There isn’t a lot of hype in New Orleans right now with their talent but Samuel’s addition would help a lot. A dark horse team that could make an offer is the Baltimore Ravens. The wideout position isn’t the biggest need for the team but it gives Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews some relief in the slot.