It’s no secret the New York Giants need upgrades at wide receiver.
Big Blue could find a wideout with the 26th overall pick in the first round of the NFL Draft. If the Giants want a veteran presence, they should target Brandon Aiyuk of the 49ers. Only 24, he could be a long-term solution at the position.
Aiyuk recently gave Giants fans hope by liking an edit of himself wearing a Giants uniform on Instagram.
San Francisco already is paying WR Deebo Samuel an average annual salary of $23.85 million, casting doubt on whether it would be inclined to offer a Aiyuk a similar contract when his rookie deal expires after the 2023 season.
Aiyuk has a projected market value of $17.9 million per season, according to Spotrac.
Recent precedent exists for trades of big-name receivers.
Before A.J. Brown entered his contract season in 2022, the Titans shipped him to the Eagles, who quickly signed him to a four-year, $100 million extension.
In 2020, the Vikings sent wideout Stefon Diggs to the Bills, who signed him to a four-year, $96 million extension last April.
Brown and Diggs were traded for first- and mid-round picks.
If the Giants were to trade for Aiyuk, they would likely need to deal a 2023 first-rounder and third-rounder (100th overall) and offer Aiyuk a new, long-term contract. Per Spotrac, the Giants have the third-most cap space entering the offseason with more than $44 million.
Aiyuk would become the primary wide receiver in a Giants offense led by either Daniel Jones, an impending free agent, or a new QB.
In 2022, the 6-foot, 200-pound wideout had 78 receptions for 1,015 yards and eight touchdown catches. He is a versatile weapon with the ability to play on the outside and in the slot. He is an exceptional route-runner and a big-play threat after the catch.
Acquiring Aiyuk would not come cheap, but the price would be worth it.
