Chargers named potential trade partner for 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk

Even after the Chargers drafted Ladd McConkey, Brenden Rice, and Cornelius Johnson in this year’s draft, on top of signing veteran DJ Chark, the team’s wide receiver room is still not as solidified as many would want. They have proven players and enough usable bodies, but they’re still missing any player that could be considered a “star.”

Do they absolutely need that type of player? Yes. It would never hurt to add a versatile receiver who is coming off the best year of his career and back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. Brandon Aiyuk has been pivotal in the 49ers’ recent success and he sure had a hand in helping them to the Super Bowl earlier this year. He’s now demanded a trade from the 49ers and the Bolts have been pegged as one of the best landing spots for him by ESPN.

The thing is, what will the Chargers have to give up, on top of signing him to the deal he is demanding?

“The Chargers lost Justin Herbert’s top two receivers this offseason,” says ESPN’s Dan Graziano. “They released Mike Williams, who signed with the Jets, and traded Keenan Allen to the Bears.”

“Sure, there are guys on the Chargers’ roster who may be able to step in and fill those roles. Joshua Palmer has been behind Williams and Allen on the depth chart for three years. Quentin Johnston was their 2023 first-round pick. And Ladd McConkey was their 2024 second-rounder. But Aiyuk is more established than any of them and could give new coach Jim Harbaugh a major building block to help restart the Chargers’ passing game ahead of schedule.”

The Chargers have long missed the type of receiver with notable YAC ability. It’s the type of skillset that makes a quarterback’s job easier and helps shorten drives, leaving everyone else feeling more energized as the game wears on. The Chargers drafted Johnston to be that type of player a year ago, but early returns haven’t painted him in that kind of light.

Aiyuk will give the Chargers that bonafide number one. We love Palmer. We love what McConkey looks like he could be for Herbert, but Aiyuk allows the Chargers not to play the waiting game. Is that worth potentially what they have to give up for his services? That truly depends on how fast Jim Harbaugh can have this team competing from day one. If this coaching staff and front office believe Aiyuk is a big part of what “missing”, then I don’t think they should all that patient. If this is THE guy who is going to take things to the next level, then you go get him. Plain and simple.