With no resolution in sight regarding Brandon Aiyuk's potential contract extension, 49ers general manager John Lynch has explored the possibility of a trade for the star receiver.
And one of them had the potential to be an absolute blockbuster.
The 49ers were prepared to trade Aiyuk to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for second- and third-round picks. Sports IllustratedHowever, the team needed a wide receiver to replace their departed star player.
San Francisco approached the Denver Broncos about acquiring Courtland Sutton as an offensive replacement for Aiyuk in exchange for the third-round pick they would have received from Pittsburgh. From Athletic.
The Broncos declined to make a trade and San Francisco made little progress on Aiyuk's contract hold, forcing them to consider other trade options.
Aiyuk ultimately signed the same four-year, $120 million contract he was offered in early August, making him the fifth-highest-paid receiver by average salary per season.
Pro Football Focus ranked Aiyuk as the second-best wide receiver in the NFL last season, and Sutton would hardly have been able to replace Aiyuk's production.
Sutton was ranked 31st by PFF.
Sutton appeared in 16 games for Denver last season, catching 59 passes for 772 yards, primarily from quarterback Russell Wilson.
But Sutton is also one of the best blocking wide receivers in the NFL, according to PFF, and his imposing 6-foot-4, 216-pound frame makes him a big burden for defensive backs to deal with.
Aiyuk is rated as the fourth-best blocking receiver in the league.
For the Steelers, trading Diontaie Johnson to the Panthers and then failing to get a deal done thins the depth behind George Pickens.
Aiyuk's return to San Francisco means he has just over a week to prepare for the Week 1 game against the Jets on “Monday Night Football.”
