In order to give quarterback Josh Allen a legitimate No. 1 receiver in Stefon Diggs, the Buffalo Bills traded a first-round choice to the Minnesota Vikings in the 2020 offseason, altering the course of their offense.
According to an insider, the Bills may attempt to duplicate the success in the upcoming offseason by pursuing wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk of the San Francisco 49ers.
According to Jarrett Bailey of AtoZ Sports, Aiyuk might emerge as Allen’s new top target and would be a good match for the Bills, who are facing another year with a tight salary cap,
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Bailey observed that Aiyuk appeared uncertain about his future in San Francisco, expressing his ability to envision himself staying with the 49ers “if that’s the best move” on the day of the team’s locker cleanup after the team’s Super Bowl defeat.
The same circumstances that led Diggs to Buffalo in 2020 also apply to Aiyuk. In a 2021 interview with Richard Sherman on “The Cris Collinsworth Podcast, general manager of the Bills Brandon Beane stated that the team attempted to acquire Diggs in 2019 but was turned down. Beane called back and inquired again when there appeared to be a rift between Diggs and the Vikings.
Stef put out a tweet out there after the season as we’re nearing free agency last year,Beane remarked. I don’t recall what it was about, but it had to do with fresh starts or something.” When we followed up with the Vikings, the topic had changed. That was not Hell no.” “We’re not shopping him, but if you really want him, consider what you would really want and what that would be.”
Bailey, who thought Aiyuk was a huge potential addition, indicated the Bills should make a similar effort at him.
In the Bills’ offense, “Aiyuk would immediately become a go-to target, if not the go-to target, he wrote.
He was the 49ers’ top receiver with 75 receptions, 1,342 yards, and 7 touchdowns. He would provide the Bills with a much-needed boost in talent.”
The wide receiver group for the Bills had trouble staying consistent in 2023, and Diggs finished the season on a low note after going seven games without a touchdown reception, which was the longest run in his career.
Niners Hope to Hold on to Skilled Receiver
The 49ers seem eager to bring back Aiyuk despite the trade speculations that swirled around him in the days following his team’s Super Bowl defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs. The team is investigating a long-term deal, according to general manager John Lynch, who praised the 25-year-old for his significant contribution to the offense.
Lynch stated on February 13 via Niners Nation, “You have to prioritize all these things.
As you are aware, Brandon is about to enter his fifth year of eligibility. He has been an excellent player for us. Kyle Shanahan, the head coach, frequently refers to him as a warrior due to the way he competes.
And that comes through to everyone, whether they are fans or experts; they can see the production that he has had and the passion with which he plays. He ought to be just as proud of what he’s become as we are.
Sports writer Nathan Dougherty writes about the Detroit Lions and Buffalo Bills for Heavy.com. In the past, he worked as an assistant editor for the sports trade publications Coaching Management, Athletic Management, and Training & Conditioning in addition to writing for the Rochester Business Journal. Based in Rochester, New York, he has an intense passion for all things football. Additional information on Nathan Dougherty.
