Will Atlanta Falcons Trade For San Francisco 49ers Receiver Brandon Aiyuk? Here’s Why

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The San Francisco 49ers are welcoming one of the NFL’s top young receivers in Brandon Aiyuk — but there appears to be trouble in paradise.

Aiyuk officially requested a trade Tuesday, according to NFL Network, after months of speculation about his long-term future. Aiyuk is entering the final year of his rookie contract and wants a new deal — but after months of fruitless negotiations, he’s taking his frustrations to a new level.

Speculation is rife about Aiyuk’s current and future status. Another question is: Should the Atlanta Falcons be included in the discussion?

For starters, San Francisco has no intention of trading Aiyuk, according to ESPN. It takes two to tango, and any potential trade partner appears to be dancing solo as things stand.

Aiyuk is playing this season under the fifth-year rookie option, which carries $14.124 million guaranteed, according to OverTheCap. The AthleticThe 49ers tried to give Aiyuk a new contract worth $26 million to $27 million per year, but the 2020 first-round pick wants more.

Both of those things are problematic for Atlanta, which currently has just $3.47 million in cap space heading into training camp. Money can be made available, but probably not $11 million.

There is salary cap space in the coming years, but the Falcons have other priorities and in the next calendar year could look to extend the contracts of cornerback AJ Terrell and tight end Kyle Pitts.

Atlanta will also have to make a decision on the contract of receiver Drake London, who has two years remaining on his rookie deal before the fifth-year option kicks in. Meanwhile, the Falcons are paying receiver Darnell Mooney $13 per year through 2026.

While it’s smart to invest in weapons, the Falcons have already done so. Between London, Pitts and running back Bijan Robinson, Atlanta has three top-10 picks at three different positions. Mooney is far from a cheap add-on option.

So while adding Aiyuk, a second-team All-Pro last season, is a tantalizing proposition, the Falcons don’t have the pressing need or current financial flexibility to justify such a move — not to mention the considerable capital it would take to acquire Aiyuk.

Now… about Nick Bosa…