Falcons reporter reveals what it would take for Atlanta to join Brandon Aiyuk sweepstakes

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has been vocal about his displeasure with the organization, recently requesting a trade to the storied franchise. Beginning in the postgame interview following San Francisco’s Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII, the 49ers and Aiyuk have been in deep discussions about his potential contract negotiations. However, if San Francisco can’t satisfy the team’s second All-Pro, its market on the trade block will be robust. There aren’t many teams that couldn’t use a player like Aiyuk, including the Atlanta Falcons. Falcons writer Josh Kendall of The Athletic shares what he thinks it would take for Atlanta to get into Aiyuk’s sweepstakes.

DE Zach Harrison and 2025 first-round pick for Aiyuk

The Falcons could be sneakily aggressive participants if there’s a real trade opportunity for Aiyuk. Atlanta’s brass has shown a willingness to go all-in under first-year coach Raheem Morris. Plus, the Falcons were outbid for Montez Sweat last year, but Sweat turned things around under pressure from the Chicago Bears, and Atlanta’s unproven receiving corps could use a boost. So they seem happy to offer their 2025 first-round pick and a young player. The problem is finding a young player they can afford to let go of who would help San Francisco. Atlanta doesn’t have depth at any position (except quarterback, we know), so any quality player they give up will hurt. Linebacker Nate Landman would give the 49ers insurance and quality depth while Dre Greenlaw continues his ACL rehab. But Harrison, 22, is a more tempting offer, and Arthur Blank, 81, feels he is operating with a sense of urgency right now.

Getting rid of Aiyuk, a potential depth player at pass-rusher and a first-round pick doesn’t seem too bad, especially if the Falcons have to compensate for Aiyuk before he even gets on the field.

Is this a feasible offer? If Atlanta really wants to compete sooner rather than later, it is. Plus, Atlanta has filled the defensive line spots where Harrison would be with draft picks like Brandon Dorlus and Ruke Orhorhoro. There is plenty of room for Harrison to find a new home.

As Kendall said, Blank is 81 and time waits for no one. If the Falcons want to be competitive sooner rather than later, they need to be aggressive.

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