• Is 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk planning to move? Aiyuk has long been linked to the Pittsburgh Steelers, so it would make sense to trade the No. 20 pick to them in exchange for him.
• Keep an eye out for the Falcons as a potential trade-back candidate: it’s generally believed that Atlanta will pick the top defense in the 2024 NFL Draft, but the Saints or another team in need of a quarterback could try to move up.
• Draft and trade for yourself: Use the PFF Mock Draft Simulator to trade players and picks for the NFL team of your choice.
The Minnesota Vikings have the means to gain a significant advantage in the draft, and they are in need of a quarterback. However, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Texans initiated the trade negotiations that resulted in them obtaining the second-round pick they had obtained from the Vikings, not the other way around. Although they aren’t particularly set on drafting the first quarterback they come across, the Vikings are probably open to making a trade for the ideal quarterback.
Both first-round selections would be forfeited in this transaction, along with maybe some later picks or pick swaps. Even though the team is unlikely to want to forfeit the first round of the following season, they might think it’s worthwhile if their main goal advances.
The best use of a first-round draft pick this year would be to get Brandon Aiyuk away from the 49ers, much like a couple years ago with Brian Thomas Jr.
It’s possible that the San Francisco front staff is telling the truth when it says it wants to keep Aiyuk, but it’s one thing to say so in theory and quite another to intentionally reject the 20th overall pick.
Pittsburgh has the financial means to sign Aiyuk to the contract he desires, and they may partner him with George Pickens in a new offensive scheme. This is the finest deal the Steelers could make if they are truly looking to invest heavily in a receiver.
