With uncertainty surrounding wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk this offseason, the 49ers have reportedly considered several players as potential replacements for Aiyuk.
Before San Francisco ended a contract stalemate with Aiyuk, 26, and signed the player to a four-year, $120 million extension that included $76 million guaranteed, the 49ers inquired about both the Vikings' Justin Jefferson and the Raiders' Jacobi Meyers.
According to ESPN:The 49ers inquired about a possible trade for Jefferson before this year's NFL Draft, but the Vikings “had no interest in trading for the star wide receiver and quickly rejected San Francisco.”
The Jets and Colts also reportedly had some interest in Jefferson, but Minnesota was only interested in re-signing the three-time Pro Bowl selection.
Jefferson signed a record four-year, $140 million contract with the Vikings in June, including $110 million guaranteed, ultimately making him the highest-paid wide receiver in NFL history.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the 49ers received a similar response from the Raiders, who declined to inquire about a trade for Myers.
Myers, a North Carolina State product, was an intriguing option as he would have been a cheaper alternative to Aiyuk, given that he signed a three-year, $33 million contract with Las Vegas in March 2023.
There was a time when it was unclear which team Aiyuk would play for this season.
Sports Illustrated reported that the Steelers were close to acquiring Aiyuk, who was coming off a breakout season in which he recorded 1,342 yards receiving and seven touchdowns en route to the 49ers' Super Bowl appearance.
Aiyuk was ultimately retained, but the former first-round draft pick is off to a rough start in the 2024 season.
Aiyuk, who dropped two passes, including a potential touchdown, and finished with just 28 yards on two catches in San Francisco's season-opening win over the Jets, is facing pressure to step up with star running back Christian McCaffrey sidelined.
Jefferson's Vikings will host Aiyuk and the 49ers on Sunday afternoon.
