Should New Orleans Saints Trade For Brandon Aiyuk?

Matt Levine works as a lead contributing writer for TWSN. His expertise is in covering the NBA, MLB, NFL, NHL, and college athletics. He has been with TWSN since 2025. He graduated in 2021 with a Master of Science degree in Sport Management from Louisiana State University.

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If the New Orleans Saints want to be more competitive next season, adding extra offensive weapons to the roster will be crucial. Not only will this help the team, but it will give second-year quarterback Tyler Shough more to work with.

Shough proved that he could potentially be the franchise option for the Saints at the quarterback position this year, and the team should be doing whatever they can to help him succeed. This could see the Saints’ front office look to either make a trade, or a signing, bringing in another veteran presence to pair alongside star Chris Olave.

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Should New Orleans Saints Consider Brandon Aiyuk?

One option for the Saints to consider going after could be veteran wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk of the San Francisco 49ers. Aiyuk’s time with the 49ers has seemingly come to an end, and the team may look to move him sooner rather than later.

Due to this, the Saints may be able to land Aiyuk for a cheap price, which could be extremely beneficial to the overall talent on the roster. New Orleans could take a flier on Aiyuk, and hope that all his injury concerns are behind him.

Why 49ers Would Trade Brandon Aiyuk

Over the last few years, Aiyuk has dealt with some real injury issues that have forced him to miss time. Aiyuk missed the entire 2025 season due to injury, and he was only able to play in seven games for the 49ers in 2024.

This caused the team to completely void his guarantees in his contract for the 2026 season, causing some tension between the two sides. The veteran is also rehabbing from a torn ACL, and it seems that the 49ers don’t view him as part of the future.

Once San Francisco was eliminated from postseason play, 49ers general manager John Lynch didn’t hold back his thoughts on Aiyuk. Lynch said that the wideout wouldn’t play for the team anymore, and trade rumors started flying from there.

“It’s safe to say he’s played his last snap with the Niners,” Lynch said.

Brandon Aiyuk’s Outlook

Just a few years ago, Aiyuk was a central piece to the 49ers offensive attack, but these last few seasons have been tough for both sides. Aiyuk is hopeful to return to the field in 2026, and if he can stay healthy, whatever team he is playing for could be very happy.

In 2022, Aiyuk first broke out in the NFL, posting his first 1,000-yard season, posting 1,015 yards on 78 catches and eight touchdowns. He then had an even better 2023 year, catching 75 passes for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns, leading to the massive contract.

If he were to go to the pass-happy Saints offense, Aiyuk may be able to round back into form. Aiyuk is still only 28 years old, so there is some time left for him to change the narrative that has followed him in recent years.

Brandon Aiyuk’s Contract

The one hiccup in a trade is the contract of Aiyuk as he is in the middle of a four-year, $120 million deal. There is a bonus option in his deal for $24.9 million for the 2026 season.

Even with the voids, there are implications with this contract, and the Saints may be better off waiting to see if the 49ers will release the veteran.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Brandon Aiyuk drafted?

Aiyuk was drafted in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Where did Brandon Aiyuk go to college?

Aiyuk first attended Sierra College before transferring to Arizona State.

Has Brandon Aiyuk made the Pro Bowl?

No, Aiyuk hasn’t made the Pro Bowl yet in his NFL career.

Where did Tyler Shough go to college?

Shough played for a few different schools, including Oregon, Texas Tech, and Louisville.

Should New Orleans Saints Trade For Brandon Aiyuk?

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