Why the Panthers Should Inquire About Brandon Aiyuk's Availability

If Carolina wants a veteran receiver, Aiyuk should be priority number one.

San Fransisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and his camp are making waves post Super Bowl 58. Aiyuk tallied three catches for 49 yards in the overtime thriller, one of the worst outputs of his phenomenal season. His disappointing Super Bowl capped off a playoff run where he caught three balls in all three 49ers contests, never eclipsing 70 receiving yards. 

The veteran wide receiver has made cryptic comments about his future in San Francisco, and his brother is already talking about his exit. 

Brandon Aiyuk was asked if he hopes to stay with the #49ers. “If that’s the right move.” pic.twitter.com/6NDPagaeok

— Tracy Sandler (@TracyFGSN) February 13, 2024

Aiyuk is a stud. Out of 120 wide receivers across the league, the fourth-year Arizona State product finished fourth in yard per route run. Aiyuk has tallied back-to-back 1000 yard receiving seasons with eight touchdowns in 2022 and seven in 2023. He has drawn comparisons to elite receiver Stefon Diggs due to his elite route-running abilities and the acres of separation he can create against man coverage. 

The 25-year-old blossoming superstar would be the exact weapon a young quarterback needs.

San Francisco would likely demand a haul for Aiyuk, and if he's on the table, Carolina should be quick to offer up the 33rd overall pick for him as a baseline. There are two reasons for that.

One, the 33rd pick can become anything. If Carolina drafts a wide receiver, he could end up busting like famous flameouts N'Keal Harry, or Nelson Agholor. If Carolina hits on the 33rd pick, he could turn into a great wide receiver, like...Brandon Aiyuk. The current Niner has produced at a high level and is worth the 33rd pick and more. 

Two, when young, talented, struggling quarterbacks get paired with an elite pass catcher, they flourish. Josh Allen blossomed when Buffalo traded for Stefon Diggs. Jalen Hurts played at an MVP level after Philadelphia traded for AJ Brown. Joe Burrow led Cincinnati to a Super Bowl after they paired him with Jamarr Chase.

Bryce Young needs his elite weapon, and instead of gambling on the "could be" of a draft pick, they should take a swing on the known quantity that is Brandon Aiyuk.

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