San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk runs out of the tunnel before a game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Dec, 3, 2023, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Rich Schultz)AP
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One of the top storylines this offseason has revolved around Brandon Aiyuk, the San Francisco 49ers’ talented and disgruntled receiver. Aiyuk ended months of speculation on Tuesday when he officially requested a trade.
The 49ers have been firm in their disinterest to trade the receiver. A trade request doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the end of the road between the two parties, as shown by Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens in 2023. However, it’s opening the door for other teams to get involved.
Enter, the Buffalo Bills.
The Bills’ receiving room took a hit over the offseason when Gabe Davis went to the Jacksonville Jaguars in free agency and four-time Pro Bowl wideout Stefon Diggs was traded to the Houston Texans. Rookie receiver Keon Coleman is tasked with filling the void while adjusting to NFL play.
Curtis Samuel and Khalil Shakir round out the starting three receivers, and both collected over 600 receiving yards in 2023. Still, the need is high for a reliable and established receiver to support quarterback Josh Allen.
The main argument against an Aiyuk to Buffalo transaction is the Bills’ lack of cap space, but it might not be as much of a hindrance as people suggest. Buffalo has $10 million available in cap space, and Aiyuk would cost $14 million in 2024. A few roster moves could clear up the space.
So how would this impact the Miami Dolphins?
When the Bills lost Diggs, the odds shifted in the Dolphins’ favor. It’s no secret that the Bills have been Miami’s kryptonite in recent years, being crowned AFC East champions for four consecutive seasons. Without Diggs, the Dolphins’ high-powered offense outscoring the Bills became much more realistic. With Aiyuk, the task at hand becomes much trickier.
In 2023, Aiyuk outperformed Diggs, recording 75 receptions for 1,342 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. Diggs connected with Allen for 1,183 receiving yards and eight touchdowns during his final season in Buffalo.
An Aiyuk to Buffalo trade wouldn’t just replace Diggs, it would elevate the Bills’ offense even further.