Exploring the Vikings trading for Brandon Aiyuk
Brandon Aiyuk’s career overview
Although many now consider Aiyuk one of the NFL’s best wide receivers, he took a few seasons to establish himself. During his rookie season in 2020, Aiyuk made some highlight plays but lacked the receiving yardage to be seen as a bona fide number-one receiver by fans. Aiyuk finished his rookie season with 60 catches on 95 targets for 748 yards and five touchdowns in 12 games. Although Aiyku dealt with injuries as a rookie the bigger concern was the instability at quarterback. By the end of 2020, Aiyuk had played with three different quarterbacks, which likely contributed to him failing to reach 1,000 receiving yards.
During Aiyuk’s second season, the quarterback situation was more stable, with Jimmy Garoppolo starting 15 of 17 games. The stability at quarterback, combined with Aiyuk playing all 17 games, helped him have a better season. However, he still fell short of 1,000 yards receiving, finishing the 2021 season with 56 catches on 84 targets for 826 yards and five touchdowns. Although Aiyuk put together a better second season, getting to 1,000 yards wasn’t possible because Debo Samuel had a 1,405-yard receiving season.
Aiyuk put together his first 1,000-yard campaign during his third NFL season due in part to Samuel missing five games. In 2022, Aiyuk finished the season with 78 catches on 114 targets for 1,015 yards and eight touchdowns in 17 games. He also finished the season with a 20+ yard reception in 13 games. After a season like that, Aiyuk earned respect and recognition as one of the better receivers in the NFL.
This past season, Aiyuk cemented himself as one of the league’s best receivers. Putting together a season with 75 catches on 105 targets for 1,342 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. Aiyuk’s great 2023 season has led to him wanting to receive a massive contract extension. However, disagreements between Aiyuk and the 49ers over his worth have fueled his desire for a trade.
Projected trade
Adam Patrick of The Viking Age proposed a potential trade for Aiyuk that involves Addison.
Vikings Get:
Brandon Aiyuk – WR
2025 seventh-round pick
49ers Get:
Jordan Addison – WR
2026 first-round pick
2025 fifth-round pick
Why trading for Aiyuk isn’t realistic
While the projected trade gives good value to both teams, the probability of this trade happening is low. This is because acquiring Aiyuk comes with a contract extension that most likely exceeds $30 million per season. Although the Vikings aren’t low on cap space signing Aiyuk would tie up over $60 million in their wide receiver room. Even though spending that money would give the Vikings one of the best wide-receiving duos in football it would be a misallocation of funds. Instead of using that money for Aiyuk, to could use it to sure up other positions next offseason.
Furthermore, sending the 49ers a future first-round pick for Aiyuk could be a mistake. Similar to how the Vikings can use the money to shore up other positions, they can also use the pick for the same purpose. While a draft pick carries more risk since it’s based on player potential and not what a player has already done, it’s a risk worth taking. In the end, the best decision the Vikings could make is to suspend Addison and wait for him to come back.
Main Photo: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
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