Should the Colts consider trading for 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk?
Shortly before the start of the 2024 Training Camps, a major development shook the NFL landscape.
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has officially requested a trade. With Aiyuk now on the market, the question arises: Should the Indianapolis Colts entertain the idea of trading for this standout WR?
Should the Colts trade for Brandon Aiyuk
Aiyuk has achieved over 1,000 receiving yards in consecutive seasons and has been the most targeted receiver in the star-studded 49ers offense both years. Acquiring him would undoubtedly significantly bolster the Colts’ offense and wide receiver corps. However, the real issue here is not about whether the Colts would benefit from trading for Aiyuk.
To acquire Aiyuk, any team would likely need to offer a trade package that includes a first-round draft pick and more just to get the 49ers to consider a trade for a player they have publicly expressed no interest in moving. The challenge doesn’t end with agreeing to a trade; negotiations with Aiyuk and his team would follow, likely aiming for a contract that values him among the NFL’s top wide receivers. In today’s NFL, this comes with a substantial price tag.
Securing Aiyuk would require a significant trade package and a contract likely exceeding $30 million annually, placing him among the top five highest-paid wide receivers alongside Justin Jefferson, A.J. Brown, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Tyreek Hill.
Considering the Colts already commit substantial financial resources, such as the $23.33 million per year for Michael Pittman Jr. over the next three years, and have invested recent high draft capital in receivers like Adonai Mitchell (second-round pick in 2024), Josh Downs (third-round pick in 2023), and Alec Pierce (second-round pick in 2022), it’s challenging to envision them pursuing Aiyuk. While some fans might question the depth of the Colts’ wide receiver room, the significant financial commitments and recent draft investments suggest it’s improbable for the Colts to trade for Aiyuk. Moreover, it may not be advisable to do so under these circumstances.
