The Denver Broncos have made several calculated, under-the-radar transactions ahead of the 2024 season, but outside of drafting Bo Nix in the first round, the offseason has been void of a big-splash move.
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has requested that the San Francisco 49ers trade him and the Broncos should be talking to 49ers general manager John Lynch about a deal.
The Broncos have their own contractual issue with Courtland Sutton so perhaps a deal could be worked where Sutton is sent to San Francisco as part of a package that sends Aiyuk to Denver. There was also this three-team trade idea proposed by CBS.
Where do you think Brandon Aiyuk will be come Week 1? 🤔
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Denver Broncos should check in on Brandon Aiyuk
It may seem counter-productive to swap out Sutton for Aiyuk, but a change of scenery could be what they both need. Sutton would fit well in San Francisco's system and Aiyuk could provide the kind of consistent, dynamic option to help get the career of Nix rolling in the right direction.
Here is a look at Aiyuk's career stats:
Year | Receptions | Rec. Yards | Yards per catch | TD |
2020 | 60 | 748 | 12.5 | 5 |
2021 | 56 | 826 | 14.8 | 5 |
2022 | 78 | 1,015 | 13.0 | 8 |
2023 | 75 | 1,342 | 17.9 | 7 |
His 17.9 yards per catch last season was second in the NFL, trailing only George Pickens of the Pittsburgh Steelers (18.1). He has posted these numbers while playing on the same team as Deebo Samuel, which is something to consider.
In Denver, he would have the chance to become a No. 1 wide receiver, which he has the capability of being. He is only 26 years old and has a lot of great football left in him.
This is not the kind of move you would expect the Broncos to make as the team has taken a conservative approach following the disaster that was the trade for Russell Wilson, but it's not often a player of Aiyuk's caliber comes available.
The team should consider taking a shot.