Denver Broncos and the Rumor Frenzy: Could the Brandon Aiyuk Trade Happen?

The NFL offseason is always a breeding ground for speculation, and the Denver Broncos find themselves at the center of trade rumors once again. This time, the discussion revolves around San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, whose name has surfaced as a potential trade candidate. With the Broncos looking to bolster their offense, could Aiyuk be a viable target? Let’s break down the situation.

49ers Shopping Aiyuk?

Reports from The Athletic’s Diana Rini suggest that the 49ers are actively taking calls from multiple teams regarding Aiyuk. As San Francisco looks to manage its salary cap ahead of quarterback Brock Purdy’s mega-extension, Aiyuk’s hefty contract could be a reason they are willing to part ways.

Michael Silver also indicated that the 49ers are open to moving Aiyuk, but skepticism remains about whether any team will take on his contract—especially given his recent injury history. Aiyuk suffered a torn ACL and MCL in Week 7 of the 2024 season, sidelining him for the remainder of the year. While reports suggest he is making good progress in rehab, teams may hesitate to invest significant draft capital in a player coming off such a severe injury.

Does Aiyuk Make Sense for Denver?

The Broncos’ offense is undergoing a transition, with rookie quarterback Bo Nix expected to lead the team moving forward. Providing Nix with reliable weapons is crucial for his development, and Aiyuk’s skill set as a playmaking receiver could be an enticing addition.

Last season, Aiyuk was on pace for another standout year before the injury. His impressive performances in 2022 and 2023 earned him a four-year, $120 million contract extension, with $76 million guaranteed. However, with the 49ers already paying out a significant portion of that deal, any team trading for Aiyuk would essentially be acquiring him on a much more manageable contract. Financially, this makes him an attractive target for teams like the Broncos.

John Lynch’s Response and Trade Feasibility

San Francisco GM John Lynch recently addressed the trade speculation, acknowledging that the 49ers always listen to calls on their top players. He emphasized the team’s need to “reset” financially and get younger, hinting that they may be open to dealing Aiyuk if the right offer comes along.

Despite the rumors, one major hurdle remains—Aiyuk’s injury status. Trading for a player coming off a torn ACL and MCL is always a risk, and not many teams will be eager to part with high-value assets for an uncertain return. Even if he returns healthy, he could miss the start of the 2025 season as he continues to recover.

What Would a Trade Look Like?

If the Broncos were to pursue Aiyuk, they likely wouldn’t need to part with a first-round pick. Given the circumstances, a trade package could resemble something like this:

Broncos Receive:

• WR Brandon Aiyuk

49ers Receive:

• 2025 Third-Round Pick

This trade scenario reflects Aiyuk’s diminished value due to his injury and the 49ers’ financial motivations. It’s a steep drop from the first-round offers San Francisco reportedly rejected last offseason, but if they are eager to move on, a third-rounder may be their best option.

Will the Broncos Pull the Trigger?

Broncos head coach Sean Payton and GM George Paton have a history of being aggressive in roster moves, but they also prioritize calculated risks. The team has already passed on acquiring big-name receivers like Deebo Samuel, so it’s unclear if they’d take a chance on Aiyuk.

For now, the possibility remains hypothetical. While Aiyuk would undoubtedly add firepower to Denver’s offense, his injury history and contract situation could make the Broncos hesitant to pursue a trade. However, if the price is right, and Aiyuk’s recovery continues to trend in the right direction, don’t be surprised if Denver at least explores the option.

Would you trade a third-round pick for Brandon Aiyuk? Let us know your thoughts!