Brandon Aiyuk hasn’t “officially requested a trade” (and he doesn’t need to)

A wierd however more and more frequent kerfuffle erupted on X over the weekend, when a report emerged that 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk “has formally requested a commerce from the 49ers, per affirmation from my San Francisco supply.”

Aiyuk’s agent, Ryan Williams, responded to the declare with this: “You want higher sources.”

Williams is correct. Aiyuk has not “formally requested a commerce.” He doesn’t must.

With Aiyuk unfollowing the 49ers on social media, any crew that has any curiosity in Aiyuk has cause to name the 49ers.

A number of weeks in the past, such calls had been met (we’re informed) with a response that Aiyuk isn’t out there. At this level, with the draft 10 days in the past and the state of affairs nonetheless unresolved, why not make the decision once more?

There’s additionally cause to consider that, though Aiyuk hasn’t requested a commerce, conversations is likely to be occurring to find out whether or not different crew(s) are desirous about making a deal — with the information and approval of the 49ers.

That may very well be helpful to the 49ers. It may give either side helpful data as to what his market is likely to be.

The largest problem for the 49ers and Aiyuk will likely be setting his quantity. He presumably (and justifiably) will need the identical deal the 49ers gave to receiver Deebo Samuel, at a minimal.

It is sensible for the 49ers to determine this out now. Pay Aiyuk or commerce him to somebody who will, and get 2024 draft-pick compensation for him.

Buying and selling him would fly within the face of the whole function of the draft/improvement mannequin. Groups choose gamers with the hope that they’ll change into key members of the crew. Aiyuk has; he was a second-team All-Professional in 2023. Why commerce him?

The very best-case state of affairs is that they’d flip Aiyuk for a rookie who finally ends up being fairly good, too. After which they’ll need to pay him, or commerce him and do it once more.

If the draft is a lottery and every participant is a lottery ticket, Aiyuk was a winner. The distinction for the NFL is that the jackpot then will get paid by the holder of the ticket. It’s time for the 49ers, or another person, to offer Aiyuk his jackpot.