Even if Brandon Aiyuk stays, the San Francisco 49ers could leverage a move up in the draft to get a “stud” wide receiver despite winning the Super Bowl.
On Thursday, Kyle Posey of Niners Nation suggested that San Francisco move up ten spots in the draft by making a swing deal with the Miami Dolphins. In doing so, the 49ers would be able to sign Texas wide receiver Adonai Mitchell.
Posey stated, “We realized the need to preempt other possible wide receiver-needy teams like the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, Arizona Cardinals, and Buffalo Bills after witnessing the Pittsburgh Steelers capture LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.
In the first and second rounds, Mike McDaniel, an old buddy, has a pick, but he won’t pick again until No. 158 after selecting No. 55. Mike agreed with little effort,” Posey wrote. He sent us a thumbs-up and the “cool glasses” emoji in response to our text. BYU tackle Kingsley Suamataia was selected by Miami in the second round of the draft. Thank you so much, Mike.
All told, San Francisco would forfeit a third-round pick in 2025, the No. 31 pick, the No. 179 pick in the fifth round, and the No. 251 pick in the seventh round. Posey explains why the 49ers believe it is worthwhile despite the amount.
WR for the 49ers is thin ice if Brandon Aiyuk departs.
The 49ers still have Samuel and Jennings for 2024 if they decide to split ways with Aiyuk this offseason. As Samuel approaches the last year of his three-year, $71.55 million contract, he may be able to command a larger one in 2025.
In a similar vein, Jennings has a $4.89 million, one-year contract this year, but depending on how the season plays out, he may demand much more. Though his prior seasons showed more promise, he did step up for the 49ers at times last season, with 19 catches for 265 yards and a touchdown.
Jennings recorded a career-high five touchdowns in 2021 and 416 yards receiving on 35 catches in 2022. Throughout his career, Jennings has averaged 12.3 yards per grab; in 2023, he set a career best with 13.9 yards per reception.
In 20203, however, Samuel appeared to be in complete control thanks to his 60 receptions for 892 yards and seven touchdowns. In five seasons, he has had 283 catches for 4,122 yards and 19 touchdowns.
If Brandon Aiyuk is traded, Adonai Mitchell will become more in demand.
If Aiyuk were moved, the 49ers would have a hole that Samuel and Jennings probably wouldn’t be able to cover. Aiyuk had his second consecutive season with 1,000 yards and seven touchdowns from 75 receptions last season.
Here’s where Mitchell might immediately establish himself as a reliable No. 2 receiver. He recently concluded an impressive season at Texas, where he hauled in 55 receptions for 845 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus stated, “Mitchell’s fluidity at his size makes him a tough matchup, especially in the red zone.” “My main worry about him is that I wish he had attacked the ball more while it was in the air. Should he make progress in that area, he possesses marginal WR1/WR2 skills.
