Examining the 49ers’ options to potentially replace Aiyuk
The 49ers have Aiyuk beneath contract for 2024 and the 2 sides can negotiate a long-term contract extension, but when these talks go sideways or the 49ers resolve it’s finest to half methods with the Second Group All-Professional, listed here are some choices they might take into account this offseason.
Swing a commerce with the Buffalo Payments
Stefon Diggs hasn’t been completely satisfied in Buffalo for the final two years, and normal supervisor Brandon Beane would presumably wish to keep away from the media circus he’s endured every of the final two offseasons having to reply questions on whether or not or not Diggs will get traded.
Diggs’ frustration with Buffalo’s incapability to get previous the AFC Championship sport has turn into more and more obvious, and if it’s a hoop he actually needs, the 49ers give him arguably the most suitable choice to get it.
Although Diggs, 30, is significantly older than Aiyuk, 25, and carries a considerably greater cap hit ($27.8M to $14.12M), different particulars must be ironed out to make a deal work.
Nevertheless, if either side are dead-set on getting a contemporary begin, then this could possibly be a commerce that works out for all events concerned. Diggs would permit the 49ers passing sport to remain as harmful as ever, and the Payments would get an equally gifted playmaker 5 years youthful and $13M cheaper.
Draft Aiyuk’s alternative
Though it’s top-heavy, the 2024 NFL Draft is loaded at large receiver and San Francisco can land a great one even at decide No. 31. Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr., LSU’s Malik Nabers and Washington’s Rome Odunze are certain to be off the board by then, however that doesn’t imply the 49ers can’t discover a stud on the finish of Spherical 1.
Florida State’s Keon Coleman is maybe essentially the most elusive receiver within the draft, and the participant most similar to Aiyuk. South Carolina’s Xavier Legette is like Aiyuk and 49ers tight finish George Kittle rolled into one. He’s 6-foot-3, 227 kilos, can outrun most defenses and he’s a load to deliver down within the open area.
Texas’ Xavier Worthy has pace to burn and might double his worth as a punt returner. Georgia’s Ladd McConkey may have the most effective arms within the draft. LSU’s Brian Thomas Jr. has a nostril for the top zone and he’d win numerous bounce balls along with his 6-foot-4, 200-pound body.
By way of match within the San Francisco offense, Legette in all probability is the most suitable choice. But when it’s pure playmaking potential the 49ers need, Coleman is the way in which to go, although they’d doubtless should commerce up a bit to get him.
If head coach Kyle Shanahan needs a sure-handed move catcher with a excessive ceiling, then McConkey needs to be the decide.
Go all-in on a premier free agent
The Cincinnati Bengals are anticipated to make use of the franchise tag on Tee Higgins, but when they’ve a change of coronary heart, the 25-year-old wideout could be an ideal Aiyuk alternative in head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense.
Nevertheless, if Higgins doesn’t even make it to market, there are many different comparable choices on the market.
Whereas no person within the free-agent class has a skillset like Aiyuk’s by way of the proper steadiness of pace, route operating and playmaking potential, between Mike Evans, Marquise Brown, Calvin Ridley, Michael Pittman Jr. and Gabe Davis, the 49ers can not less than add a confirmed veteran to assist take a few of the stress off of and double groups away from Deebo Samuel.
Brown or Pittman Jr. take advantage of sense right here.