The New Orleans Saints are in a great spot as a franchise. Tyler Shough looks to be the answer at quarterback; their cap struggles are finally no longer a problem, and with Kellen Moore leading the team, things are looking up in New Orleans.

This offseason, the Saints have a few clear needs, with another wide receiver for Shough one of the top needs. Chris Olave and Devaughn Vele are good options, but one more receiver would be a huge help for Shough in his sophomore season.

That’s why Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report proposes the Saints swing a trade for disgruntled San Francisco 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who can be had for very cheap compared to his talent.

Saints trade idea lands Brandon Aiyuk to pair with Chris Olave

“Saints Receive: WR Brandon Aiyuk. 49ers Receive: 2026 sixth-round pick (No. 189), 2027 conditional Day 3 pick (based on games played/production),” Ballentine proposes.

Trading for Aiyuk, who’s almost guaranteed to be released by the 49ers, might seem like an odd idea. But, instead of letting Aiyuk hit the open market, the Saints can jump the line and acquire him without risking a different team acquiring him.

With Aiyuk on a $120 million contract over the next few seasons, there’s no way the Saints would pay him that much after his 2025 season, or lackthereof.

Aiyuk didn’t play at all in 2025, sitting out all year thanks to a disagreement with the 49ers following his season-ending ACL injury in 2024.

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Before that injury, the 49ers WR had 374 yards and no touchdowns on 25 receptions in seven games. But, the year before, the one he used to land his $120 million deal, he had 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns on 75 receptions.

Aiyuk, when he’s at his best, could be a great complement next to Olave on the Saints offense. The issue is that, as Ballentine writes, “this move would be a gamble.”

But, if this gamble pays off, and Aiyuk returns to his prime version of himself, the trio of Aiyuk, Olave, and Vele would be a fantastic trio for Shough to throw to as he looks to take a leap in his first full season as the Saints starter in 2026.

While Aiyuk could be an interesting pickup, the risk might not make a trade worth it. Instead, signing him as a cheap free agent might be the more realistic choice. But this trade idea is still a fascinating one, as Aiyuk to New Orleans could be a fun pairing.

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