The Arizona Cardinals will still encounter Brandon Aiyuk this season despite trade rumors. According to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, the Arizona Cardinals are poised to face the San Francisco 49ers with receiver Brandon Aiyuk still on their roster.
Aiyuk has been involved in trade rumors this offseason as he enters the final year of his rookie contract. A key contributor to San Francisco’s recent success, Aiyuk is seeking a long-term deal after being drafted in the first round out of Arizona State. While Aiyuk has been outspoken about his situation, he insists he hasn’t officially requested a trade. Many believe this could be Aiyuk’s final season in San Francisco. However, Schefter states that Aiyuk will remain with the 49ers for this season:
“I would expect that he’s in a Niner’s uniform,” Schefter said on Rothman and Ice. “The question is, is it going to be beyond this year? He’s under contract, and why would a Super Bowl-contending team trade a starting wide receiver for a future draft pick? That doesn’t help you win a Super Bowl this year.
“I don’t expect they’re trading him. That’s not what I’m expecting right now. Whether they can get a contract worked out or not is a different issue. They’ve been talking, but it doesn’t seem like they’re close right now. Those things can heat up pretty quickly.”
Aiyuk was rumored to be a target for teams like the Washington Commanders or Pittsburgh Steelers if made available. The 49ers’ drafting of WR Ricky Pearsall in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft further fueled these discussions.
However, as training camp approaches, all indications suggest Aiyuk will still be facing the Cardinals twice this season.