BREAKING: Trade Proposal Lands Projected $96 Million WR as New No. 1

The Buffalo Bills have a challenging assignment ahead this offseason as they seek to fill the void left by Stefon Diggs’ impressive performance over the past four seasons. However, just as they acquired Diggs through a surprising and significant trade, an analyst proposes that a similar move could secure a replacement after Diggs’ recent trade to the Houston Texans. Sam Monson from Pro Football Focus analyzed various options the Bills could explore in replacing Diggs, one of which involves potentially trading with the San Francisco 49ers to acquire wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.

Bills Would Need to Convince Niners to Deal Star Receiver

Monson pointed out that the Buffalo Bills face limitations in acquiring a top-tier receiving option through free agency, and their No. 28 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft may not secure one of the premier receiving prospects. He proposed that the Bills could attempt to persuade the Cincinnati Bengals into trading Tee Higgins, although the Bengals might be hesitant to trade him to a conference rival. Alternatively, Aiyuk could be a more feasible target, but the Bills would still need to present a compelling offer, potentially including a first-round draft pick.

“Likewise, while the San Francisco 49ers appear reluctant to part with Brandon Aiyuk, they may reconsider if presented with a trade offer involving a first-round selection,” Monson explained. “Aiyuk boasted an impressive average of 2.65 yards per route run last season, with only Tyreek Hill surpassing him in PFF grade among receivers. In both scenarios, the Bills would need to factor in the contract negotiations required to retain the player. However, recent successes with deals involving Hill, Diggs, and A.J. Brown highlight the potential benefits of such transactions if executed effectively.”

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49ers Brandon Aiyuk has ELITE route running skills.

— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) April 11, 2024

Aiyuk is coming off an impressive season, achieving career highs with 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns.

In addition to parting ways with Diggs this offseason, the Bills also witnessed their No. 2 receiver, Gabe Davis, depart to the Jacksonville Jaguars in free agency. The team’s top returning receiver, Khalil Shakir, recorded 39 catches for 611 yards and two touchdowns last season, while second-year receiver Justin Shorter is anticipated to return after spending his entire rookie season on injured reserve. Furthermore, the team bolstered its receiving corps by signing Curtis Samuel and Mack Hollins in free agency.

Brandon Aiyuk’s Big Price Tag

If the Bills managed to persuade the 49ers to trade Aiyuk, their next hurdle would be finding the financial means to secure him. Spotrac estimated Aiyuk’s market value at a four-year contract worth $96.1 million.

 

As Jeff Kerr of CBS Sports pointed out, the Bills were already facing salary cap constraints before trading Diggs, and they will incur additional short-term financial strain before experiencing any relief.

Jeff Kerr wrote, “The Bills’ salary cap outlook for 2024 seems daunting, but Buffalo seems to be thinking ahead strategically. With the Diggs trade, the Bills will carry a hefty $31.1 million in dead cap space but will gain $19 million in cash savings by trading Diggs now, resulting in a $19 million boost in available cap space for 2025 once Diggs is off the books. As a result, they are projected to have approximately $4.5 million in available cap space for 2024.”