Bills Trade Proposal Lands 1,300 Yard WR as Josh Allen’s ‘Go-To Target’
The Buffalo Bills altered the course of their offense in the 2020 offseason, trading a first-round choice to the Minnesota Vikings for Stefon Diggs, giving quarterback Josh Allen a real No. 1 receiver.
According to one insider, the Bills could try to repeat the magic in the upcoming offseason by pursuing San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Jarrett Bailey of AtoZ Sports claimed that Aiyuk has the potential to become Allen’s next top target and would be a cost-effective option for a Bills team facing another tight salary limit year.
Brandon Aiyuk’s Uncertain Future
Bailey added that Aiyuk was unclear of his future in San Francisco, stating on locker cleanout day following the team’s Super Bowl loss that he could see himself staying with the 49ers “if that’s the best move.”
Aiyuk’s situation is similar to what drew Diggs to Buffalo in 2020. In a 2021 appearance on “The Cris Collinsworth Podcast featuring Richard Sherman,” Bills general manager Brandon Beane stated that the team attempted to trade for Diggs in 2019 but was turned down. When there was a hint of disagreement between Diggs and the Vikings, Beane called back and inquired again.
“After the season as we’re approaching free agency last year when this went down, Stef put a tweet out there,” Beane went on to say. “I don’t recall what it was about, but it had something to do with new beginnings. We verified with the Vikings, and it was a different exchange. It was not, ‘Hell no.’ It was, ‘We’re not shopping him, but if you truly want him, what would it be? Think about it.'”
Bailey proposed that the Bills make a similar effort at Aiyuk, whom he considered as a significant potential addition.
“Aiyuk would immediately become a go-to target in the Bills’ offense, if not the go-to target,” he wrote in the article. “He led the 49ers in catches (75), yards (1,342), and touchdowns (7), and would give the Bills a much needed kick in talent.”
In 2023, the Bills struggled to find consistency among its wide receivers, with Diggs finishing the season on a seven-game streak without a touchdown grab, the longest stretch of his career.
Niners Want to Keep Talented Receiver
Despite trade rumors concerning Aiyuk in the days following his team’s Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, the 49ers look willing to welcome him back. General manager John Lynch said the team is considering a long-term agreement for the 25-year-old, appreciating his contributions to the offense.
“You have to prioritize all of these things,” Lynch stated on February 13, per Niners Nation. “You’re aware that Brandon has a fifth-year option, and he’s been an excellent player for us. [Head coach] Kyle [Shanahan] refers to him as a warrior because of the way he competes. And that goes through to everyone, whether you’re a trained eye or a fan; you can see the passion he plays with and the production he’s had. We are tremendously proud of what he has become, and he should be as well.”
