Things in the NFC West have gotten interesting as San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who has been seeking a contract extension, has formally requested a trade.
But that doesn’t mean the Arizona Cardinals will be able to acquire the former Arizona State standout.
Trade requests in the middle of contract talks are normal. It happened with the Arizona Cardinals last offseason when safety Budda Baker requested a trade. He wasn’t traded.
The 49ers have had players who wanted new contracts request a trade — kicker Robbie Gould and receiver Deebo Samuel come to mind — and new deals got done.
Aiyuk had a fantastic season in 2023, blooming into a top receiver in the league and a true No. 1 option. He had 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns.
The Cardinals could use a receiver like Aiyuk. But a combination of things work against them.
First, the Niners don’t want to trade Aiyuk. Beyond that, even if they were willing to trade him, they most certainly would not consider trading him to a team within the division they would face twice.
Beyond that, the price tag will likely be much higher than the Cardinals would be willing to give up to acquire him in a trade. Plus, beyond that, they would need to give him a new contract.
The Cardinals believe they have their No. 1 receiver in Marvin Harrison Jr. Aiyuk would most certainly be a better option in the passing game than either second-year receiver Michael Wilson or veteran Zay Jones.
But is there even the slightest chance that the Cardinals could trade for him?
Not likely.
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