It's become official that San Francisco 49ers star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk wants out. Could the Indianapolis Colts be a suitor to trade for him?
It seems unlikely the Colts would make this blockbuster move. They have the resources and money to give Aiyuk what he wants, but it's difficult to imagine general manager Chris Ballard making this move.
Even so, Vinnie Iyer of Sporting News believes the Colts are among the top landing spots for Aiyuk in a massive trade.
The Colts have Michael Pittman Jr. extended well for Anthony Richardson, but there are questions behind him at wide receiver in youngsters Alec Pierce, Josh Downs and AD Mitchell. Shane Steichen, their offensive-minded coach, came from the Eagles where he maximized the duo of A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. After he left, Philadelphia was able to lock up both even after paying Jalen Hurts top-market QB dollars.
Pittman and Aiyuk could re-create that situation for the massive-armed Richardson, further boosting him beyond a strong offensive line and great running of Jonathan Taylor. The Colts also have more than $25 million in cap space.
Trading for Aiyuk would give the Colts a fantastic receiving corps to surround Anthony Richardson with, but the logistics probably aren't there.
The Colts have always been a cap-conscious team under Ballard, and having two wide receivers with massive contracts probably isn't the way they would go.
If the Colts didn't sign Michael Pittman Jr. to an extension, then this scenario would be much more plausible.
Aiyuk is coming off an All-Pro season so the Colts are likely calling to see what his price is, but fans shouldn't expect this move to get made.
