The 49ers and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk are currently at a crossroads. Aiyuk, who was named to the 2023 Second-Team All-Pro, initially sought a new contract but has now requested a trade.
The Las Vegas Raiders might not seem in dire need of a wide receiver, but Aiyuk has connections to both the team and its environment. He played at Arizona State under Antonio Pierce, who was a defensive and recruiting coordinator there, and he grew up in Nevada. Vic Tafur of The Athletic proposed a trade idea involving Aiyuk, suggesting the Raiders could trade defensive end Malcolm Koonce and a 2025 third-round pick for him.
“Social media gave us a hot Aiyuk for Davante Adams rumor this week (thanks internet!), but that doesn’t make much sense for the Raiders,” Tafur wrote in a July 19 column. “Both receivers will need a new contract soon (Aiyuk is unhappy while Adams is due to make $36 million in salary in 2025) and Adams is the better player. The Raiders are also very high on their No. 2 receiver, Jakobi Meyers, and drafted tight end/Swiss Army knife Brock Bowers. So the best they could do would be to offer Koonce and a third-round pick, given how deep they are on the defensive line, and no one is likely to trade for 2023 first-round pick Tyree Wilson. Wilson has worked hard this offseason to get stronger and this would open up a role for him, across from Maxx Crosby. But this still feels forced — as well as too big a move right now for a new general manager in Tom Telesco who is still trying to get a feel for how good his team is.”
Would This Trade Be Worth It for Las Vegas Raiders?
Acquiring Aiyuk without giving up Davante Adams or a first-round pick would be highly attractive. A receiver trio of Adams, Aiyuk, and Jakobi Meyers could be the best in the NFL. Additionally, the team could feature a star tight end duo with Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer.
While the Raiders’ quarterback situation isn’t ideal, the plethora of offensive weapons could ensure success. Losing Koonce would be a blow, as he shows potential, but the Raiders have invested in Tyree Wilson with their No. 7 pick from the previous year and may want to see his progress rather than pay Koonce a significant salary after the season.
This Trade Is Unlikely to Happen
Tafur himself acknowledged that a trade for Aiyuk is improbable. For the 49ers, Koonce and a third-round pick wouldn’t suffice for a player of Aiyuk’s caliber. Aiyuk established himself as one of the NFL’s top wide receivers last season, warranting at least a first-round pick.
If Koonce demonstrates consistent performance akin to last season, his value might rise to that of a first-round pick, but the 49ers can’t be certain of his potential. Prior to 2023, he had only 2.0 sacks over two seasons. A trade closer to the deadline could make more sense if Aiyuk remains on the roster and Koonce continues to excel, especially if Wilson begins to show promise.