The New York Jets are researching talented players in the 2024 NFL Draft, but a potential trade on draft day could send Brandon Aiyuk to New York.
Bleacher Report’s Ryan Fowler created draft-day trade suggestions for each team. Most of the proposals involved trading first-round picks. However, the Jets' trade proposal would give Aaron Rodgers another top player in Aiyuk.
Here are the full details of that trade proposal.
Jets receive: WR Brandon Aiyuk
49ers receive: 72nd overall pick, 2025 fourth-round pick
“With Aaron Rodgers healthy, it wouldn't be surprising to see Jets GM Joe Douglas be bold and try to add impactful playmakers in any way possible,” Fowler wrote. “Acquiring Aiyuk without giving up a first-round pick would be an ideal situation for Douglas.”
Latest Trade Buzz on Brandon Aiyuk
As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, there is increasing trade speculation involving Aiyuk.
Aiyuk will play in 2024 under his fifth-year option, earning $14.1 million guaranteed. However, the breakout star wants long-term financial stability and to be paid like one of the top NFL receivers.
In fact, Aiyuk is reportedly seeking a contract worth over $25 million per year. This would place him near the top of the receiver market alongside Cooper Kupp and A.J. Brown.
This is a substantial amount for the 49ers, but Aiyuk performed like a top-tier receiver in 2023. He received second-team All-Pro recognition after making 75 catches for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns.
Meanwhile, Aiyuk continues to pressure the 49ers to finalize a deal. He has posted ambiguous Instagram messages and has been absent from voluntary workouts.
Despite the off-field speculation, 49ers general manager John Lynch remains adamant about wanting to retain Aiyuk in the Bay Area.
“I’ve conveyed many times: our desire is for him to stay here and be a part of the Niners for the remainder of his career,” Lynch said prior to the draft. “We’re working on that … I can say we’re having productive discussions, and I’ll leave it at that.”
Lynch may want to keep Aiyuk, but another team may present a draft-day trade offer too appealing to reject.
The Jets Need a Long-Term Wide Receiver
The Jets still have a long-term need for a wide receiver, despite a busy offseason.
The Jets added Mike Williams as an experienced addition to complement Garrett Wilson. He had impressive performance when playing for the Los Angeles Chargers. However, the issue is his injury history.
At 29 years old and returning from a torn ACL, it’s uncertain what he will be able to contribute in 2024. He is also on a one-year deal with the Jets, making him likely a short-term option for this season.
The Jets could still pursue a playmaker at the top of the 2024 NFL Draft. Brock Bowers, Rome Odunze, or Malik Nabers are all potential choices with the No. 10 pick.
However, if the Jets truly want to go all in, trading for a veteran like Aiyuk could immediately strengthen their position as Super Bowl contenders.
