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It was supposed to be a great summer for Dak Prescott. But instead, it’s been all about Brandon Aiyuk. Aiyuk, who played at Arizona State, has been talked about a lot, but not in a good way.
Aiyuk is talented, but he’s no Ja’Marr Chase or Justin Jefferson. Sure, playing under Kyle Shanahan with the San Francisco 49ers helped him. However, we need to remember that the 49ers’ offense mainly focuses on running the ball. They only switch it up during big games like the Super Bowl.
We’ve discussed these five teams as potential fits for Aiyuk: Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Chargers, New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Washington Commanders.
But let’s think outside the box. While New England and Washington seem likely trade destinations, there might be better places for Aiyuk. None of these are obvious choices, which makes it more exciting. Let’s play matchmaker!
First up is a team that hasn’t extended any key players this offseason: the Dallas Cowboys.
5. Dallas Cowboys
Okay, this probably won’t happen. The 49ers and Cowboys don’t get along well. But what if? The Cowboys haven’t focused on extending their top receiver CeeDee Lamb or anyone else this offseason. It’s like watching a car speed towards a cliff – think “Thelma & Louise.” Imagine if the Cowboys were interested in Aiyuk?
This scenario is unlikely because the Cowboys are also playoff contenders in the same conference as the 49ers. Unlike Arizona or Washington, neither of whom have the same potential as Dallas. The Cowboys might be Super Bowl pretenders, but deep down we know they’ll likely exit in the first round against a team without home-field advantage.
A straight-up trade: Aiyuk for Lamb? Stranger things have happened in the NFL.
4. Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns could be an interesting fit for two reasons. First, they played well last year even without much contribution from their franchise quarterback Deshaun Watson. Second, adding someone like Aiyuk could boost their chances of winning their division.
Fun fact: I did some math and realized that I could run for President before the Browns win a division title – I turn 35 around Week 1! Adding Aiyuk would make them stronger in one of football’s toughest divisions.
Is there an urgent need for Aiyuk? Maybe not, but it would definitely shake things up.
3. Indianapolis Colts
Now here’s a team where this trade makes sense for both sides. The 49ers need to remove distractions; the Colts need to stop living in the past and win their division! They have Michael Pittman Jr., but Aiyuk is an upgrade and would be welcomed by QB Anthony Richardson.
Trading for Aiyuk would give Richardson another target besides scrambling himself. Plus, head coach Shane Steichen could use Aiyuk’s skills to open up opportunities for other receivers. This trade might just push them past Jacksonville.
If Aiyuk joins Indianapolis, I’ll have to reconsider their playoff chances seriously.
2. Buffalo Bills
I’m kind of over this era of Buffalo Bills football. I’m skeptical if Sean McDermott can lead them to a Super Bowl or if Josh Allen has what it takes to win one. But acquiring someone like Aiyuk alongside Stefon Diggs might change my mind.
Rookie Keon Coleman shows promise but expecting him to replace Diggs is too much right now. Getting Joe Brady another top-tier receiver like those he had at LSU could stave off future disappointments for Bills fans.
Adding Aiyuk might make me pick them over Miami Dolphins for once.
1. New York Jets
Let’s be real: How many current Jets players were even around when they last made the playoffs in 2010? Remember Bart Scott saying “Can’t wait!” and Rex Ryan’s foot fetish? Yeah, it’s been that long since Mark Sanchez’s Butt Fumble days. The Jets are actually a sneaky-good fit for Aiyuk due to several factors.
First off, he knows head coach Robert Saleh from their time together in San Francisco. Even though Mike LaFleur isn’t there anymore, Nathaniel Hackett (a familiar face to Aaron Rodgers) is back looking for redemption. The Jets already have a playoff-caliber defense; adding another offensive piece could push them over the edge in a competitive AFC.
Aiyuk joining the Jets could elevate them from playoff hopefuls to potential Super Bowl contenders.
