The Denver Broncos underwent some major changes offensively during the 2024 offseason. A lot of focus was on the quarterback position, as Russell Wilson was released, leaving the team with a lot of uncertainty under center.
The team acquired Zach Wilson from the New York Jets via trade and used a first-round pick on Bo Nix in the 2024 NFL Draft. They will be competing with 2023 holdover Jarrett Stidham for the starting job.
But, there are also some questions about who they will be throwing the ball to. 2020 first-round pick Jerry Jeudy was traded to the Cleveland Browns as the team didn’t seem interested in giving him a contract extension.
The future of fellow wide receiver Courtland Sutton is also up in the air. Sutton is seeking an extension of his own and could consider a holdout during training camp.
That has led to at least one Denver Broncos writer suggesting the team call his bluff. Trade speculation has surrounded him as well, which has led to Denver Sports host Rachel Vigil suggesting a trade to editor James Merilatt. (H/T Heavy)
The trade suggestion centers around San Francisco 49ers star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Vigil suggested Sutton be used as part of the package along with second-round picks in 2025 and 2026.
In the opinion of Merilatt, that is a trade package he believes Denver Broncos general manager Geroge Paton would “probably” accept.
“Brandon Aiyuk’s a player,” Merilatt said on the “Coffee Break” podcast on June 17. “He’s a difference maker and this team has no one on offense who is right now a difference maker. Now, we can all say, ‘Hey, Jaleel McLaughlin might turn into one. Marvin Mims might turn into one.’ Maybe. Maybe. But we know what Brandon Aiyuk is.
“He’s a household name in the NFL. He’d be the best player on their offense, the second-best player on the team the day he walked in the building. So from that standpoint, yeah. Because I think he’s a significantly better wide receiver, in my opinion, than Courtland Sutton.” (H/T Heavy)
During the 2023 season, which was a career year for Aiyuk, he caught 75 passes for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns. When Deebo Samuel was sidelined, he looked very comfortable stepping into the No. 1 role in the passing offense.
The 49ers know that it will be difficult paying Aiyuk the kind of contract he is seeking. Given some of the moves they made this offseason, they seem to be aware of that reality as well.
A package such as the one being offered by the Denver Broncos would be solid for the 49ers. It may lack a first-round pick like other trades involving wide receivers have included, but Sutton is a solid player and two second-round picks are nothing to sneeze at value-wise.
Want the latest NFL analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click here. Interested in reading storylines and analysis about the NBA? Check out our partner NBA Analysis Network.
