A Baltimore Ravens Trade For San Francisco 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk Seems Ridiculous

Rumors started swirling over the weekend about a trade demand by San Francisco 49ers wideout Brandon Aiyuk, who is due for a big payout soon and could be a cap casualty by the tea

49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk catches the ball over Lions cornerback Kindle Vildor in the third / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

Over the weekend, news came out that San Francisco wideout Brandon Aiyuk was demanding a trade from the 49ers, and further rumors linked him to the AFC North.

It was the Pittsburgh Steelers that RavenCountry.com reported showed some interest, but the trade rumors were quickly shot down by Aiyuk's agent, and those denials have continued into Monday.

49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk catches the ball over Lions cornerback Kindle Vildor in the third / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

Aiyuk is due for a huge payday and is already frustrated with his contract situation as he enters the final year of his rookie deal. He's posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in San Francisco and was expecting to have heard from 49ers brass about an extension by now.

He recently unfollowed San Francisco on social media, which is now the norm when a player wants to make a statement to his team.

"I'm trying to get what I deserve," the San Francisco wideout recently said while appearing on "Nightcap" with Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson. "I feel like this season playing football, I figured out who I was as a person and a player — what I bring to the table, what I bring to the locker room, what I bring to the organization.

"If they don't see the worth in that, that's all it is," he added. "It ain't nothing else besides that. I can't get into it. We got professionals working on both sides, so hopefully we can come to a professional agreement to continue playing professional football."

Aiyuk's agent denied this on X on Sunday morning, posting, "You need better sources."

On Monday, Fansided proposed a scenario in which the Ravens trade for Aiyuk.

"What would the cost be? Likely the Ravens have to give up their first-round pick this year and maybe a later pick down the road, but in this case, it would be worth it," Fansided wrote. "Over 3,900 receiving yards in his first four years and 25 touchdowns is a good stat line to have. Additionally, just last season, Aiyuk was on the Super Bowl stage, recording three receptions for 49 yards.

"Aiyuk has showcased remarkable versatility as a wide receiver, capable of stretching the field with his route running and making contested catches with his athleticism. Furthermore, pulling off a move like this would be essential in providing Lamar Jackson with another reliable target in addition to tight end Mark Andrews."

It's one of the most ridiculous premises this offseason, and right up there with the reports that Tom Brady wants to un-retire again - even if it happens, it's just silly.

The Ravens have neither the cap space or draft capital to make such a trade, and even if they did, there are much cheaper and equally effective skill sets out there for the taking.