Brad Holmes has been speculated to be interested in wide receivers since taking over as general manager of the Detroit Lions.
In the 2022 NFL Draft, he moved up 20 positions to select Jameson Williams, but that was almost a year after he was said to be considering a trade up for Ja’Marr Chase on the first day of the 2021 draft.
However, even after selecting Williams in the 2022 draft, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said on April 29 that the San Francisco 49ers would not consider the Lions’ “offer on the table” for star receiver Deebo Samuel.
Following the selection of Williams in 2022, Ian Rapoport from NFL Network revealed on April 29 that the Lions had placed “an offer on the table” for talented receiver Deebo Samuel, but the San Francisco 49ers were not open to the proposal.
The Lions have been heavily rumored to be making upgrades to their wide receiver group throughout the entire offseason. Whether it was pursuing Tee Higgins through a trade, attempting to secure a deal with his teammate Tyler Boyd, or even considering a more experienced option like Robert Woods, there has been no shortage of names being thrown around to enhance the performance of this offense.
A potential acquisition of players such as Higgins or Boyd would have required a significant investment in terms of draft picks, but those in favor of the Lions going all in believe that the team’s opportunity for success is current. Therefore, it would be logical for the team to go all out to provide Jared Goff with robust support. This brings us to today’s Question of the Day…
Would you approve of the Lions trading for Brandon Aiyuk?
Prior to discussing the compatibility of Aiyuk with the team and his performance as a player, it is crucial to take into account his contractual circumstances. Aiyuk is currently in the final year of his initial rookie contract, which is scheduled to compensate him with slightly over $14 million in 2024.
However, it is worth noting that discussions regarding a contract extension between Aiyuk and the 49ers have not been mutually favorable, as stated by Aiyuk himself during a conversation with his former Arizona State teammate on June 17. He expressed, “They have conveyed their disinterest in retaining my services. I assure you, it is true.”
The 49ers have a limited budget when it comes to compensating skill position players. They have made significant investments in players like George Kittle, Deebo Samuel, and Christian McCaffrey in recent years.
Despite already having a strong group of wide receivers, the team decided to draft Ricky Pearsall at pick No. 31 due to the ongoing negotiations with Aiyuk. This move allows them to add a cost-effective option to their roster.
From Aiyuk’s perspective, he’s sincerely set up himself as one of the top wide receivers inside the NFL and deserving of a big payday. In 2023, he became the second one-ranked wideout in step with PFF (92.three offense grade), and changed into the most green downfield danger no longer named Tyreek Hill—his 17.nine yards per reception and three.01 yards per course each ranked 0.33 inside the NFL.
but, in an offense already so loaded with talent, Aiyuk seems to wander off in the shuffle a chunk with regards to discussing the top names at his function like Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase, and Amon-Ra St. Brown. in comparison to those gamers, Aiyuk sees plenty much less volume (101 objectives in 2023, 31st in the NFL), however the manner his efficiency and downfield manufacturing skyrocketed in 2023 on stated extent is enough to recognise his call belongs in the ones discussions of the pinnacle huge receivers.
If the Lions were to pursue a player like Aiyuk, it would not be a short-term investment because of the kind of assets Detroit would probably have to give up in order to strike a trade with San Francisco.
Considering that Detroit signed St. Brown, Penei Sewell, and Jared Goff to huge contracts this offseason, among other high-profile signings, the Lions will have to determine whether or not Aiyuk is a player worth “all-in” on at this time.
Given that Detroit still has a few skill position players on rookie contracts, including as Sam LaPorta, Jameson Williams, and Jahmyr Gibbs, inserting Aiyuk into the lineup wouldn’t be too difficult in the short term in terms of cap gymnastics.
However, it would be simpler to make an extension for Aiyuk work in the long run if they used one of those guys who is still on his rookie contract to facilitate a transaction.
Brett Kollmann, a football celebrity, proposed this notion on Twitter earlier this week, to varying responses:
It’s interesting to debate what sort of selection you’d have to add to Williams, but Detroit may have to pay a high price to get a player with so much unrealized potential in addition to draft capital.
However, from the standpoint of team building, it can be beneficial to both sides. A player with a ton of promise and draft capital would be much sought after by the Niners, who also saw a breakout performance from the player against them in the NFC Championship Game.
Meanwhile, the Lions would acquire a legitimate downfield receiver who is still only 26 years old and has experience in this league.
