3 Trade Chips Patriots Could Use to Close Brandon Aiyuk Deal
On Tuesday, 2023 All-Pro receiver Brandon Aiyuk allegedly sought a trade from the San Francisco 49ers. Aiyuk and the 49ers have been unable to agree on a contract extension as the 26-year-old enters the last year of his rookie contract.
Aiyuk, a 2020 first-round choice, has surpassed the 1,000-yard mark in each of the last two seasons. In his breakout 2023 season, he caught 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns, placing sixth in the league’s middle category. Needless to say, he would instantly bring a much-needed boost of talent to the Patriot offense.
Here are three potential trades the Patriots may make in return for their All-Pro wide receiver.
3. Marcus Jones
If the 49ers want to replace one of their best offensive players to improve their defense, Patriots cornerback Marcus Jones is a possible young option.
Cornerback is one of San Francisco’s weakest positions, and the 49ers are plainly looking to win immediately. San Francisco’s loss in Super Bowl LVIII was their second in five years, and their front management will try to improve every aspect of the roster in order to compete for the Lombardi Trophy.
Don’t get me wrong: dumping Aiyuk will result in an immediate roster drop, but addressing other areas of need should help mitigate his loss.
Jones even took offensive snaps during his rookie season, demonstrating his explosive speed by catching a screen ball 48 yards to the house. Jones was also an All-Pro punt returner, leading the NFL in yards. He became the first player in 45 years to score offensive, defensive, and special teams touchdowns in the same season. Jones, for an imaginative offensive mind like Kyle Shanahan, might be an intriguing Swiss Army knife.
