Exploring 49ers' WR depth chart if Brandon Aiyuk trade goes through

Brandon Aiyuk asked for a trade before training camp to pursue a new contract elsewhere, following months of going back and forth regarding a contract extension with the San Francisco 49ers. Multiple sources reported that the wide receiver has now been given clearance by the Niners to reach an agreement with other teams.

Aiyuk had his best NFL season in 2023, so it should come as no surprise that he has attracted a lot of interest. Two teams have already completed a trade framework with the 49ers for the wideout, per ESPN.

The 49ers have already consented to the terms of deals with the Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots, according to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area on Monday. It appears that Aiyuk will have to choose who he will join between these two teams.

It has been reported that in exchange for Aiyuk, the Patriots would send wide receiver Kendrick Bourne along with draft picks to San Francisco, while Cleveland would send experienced wide receiver Amari Cooper along with draft picks to the Niners.

San Francisco has been adamant about not wanting to hurt their chances of winning the Super Bowl this year and trading Aiyuk would do that unless they get a player of value in return.

However, it appears that the Niners have already made moves this offseason to get ready for a season without Aiyuk, as they selected Ricky Pearsall in the first round and Jacob Cowing in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. They also re-signed wide receiver Jauan Jennings to a two-year contract extension.

While it will be challenging for any of Jennings, Pearsall, or Cowing to equal Aiyuk's output, the 49ers should still have adequate offensive weaponry to be among the NFC's strongest candidates in 2024 along with the return of Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, and Samuel Deebo as their primary offensive weapons. They also still have Danny Gray, Ronnie Bell, and Terique Owens on their wide receiver depth chart.

Why Brandon Aiyuk trade could hamstring 49ers' Super Bowl chance

The San Francisco 49ers were eventually not able to win a sixth Super Bowl back in February but came very close. They have now firmly established their existing wide receiver room to the best degree possible as the 2024 season approaches.

The team currently has Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, and Jauan Jennings as its top three receivers. However, the Niners made two wise selections in the draft back in April. The two rookies, 31st pick Ricky Pearsall and 135th overall selection Jacob Cowing, offer depth at the position and may also act as a safety net in the case that Aiyuk is traded away.

The 49ers likely believe Pearsall would be a decent Aiyuk substitute, although Aiyuk is clearly superior to the rookie. Unlike Aiyuk, who is a proven WR1, Pearsall appears to be a good complementary receiver at the moment.

Aiyuk amassed a career-high 1,342 yards from 75 receptions in 16 games last season. Additionally, he is a proficient run-blocker, which is crucial in Kyle Shanahan's attack.

The 2023 Second Team All-Pro WR is a core player for the Niners and one who could help them make a splash this season and win a Super Bowl. Their chances of winning the championship this year will take a big hit once the trade for Aiyuk is finalized.

Finding a player who meets the 49ers' needs and whose salary can match Aiyuk's contract circumstances would be difficult if he were to be traded.