One key factor makes Jaguars the best trade destination for Brandon Aiyuk

The Jacksonville Jaguars were exploring the possibility of trading for wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk but the San Francisco 49ers' asking price made them lose interest. But despite the heavy investment the Jags would have to make to acquire Aiyuk, they may be the best landing spot for him for one big reason.

Nick Faria of Pro Football Network drew up a list of the best landing spots for Aiyuk and Jacksonville made the cut. The other teams were the New England Patriots, the Washington Commanders, the New York Jets, and the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Jaguars could have the edge over all of them because they have the best quarterback situation of the bunch.

The Giants gave Daniel Jones a multi-year extension last offseason only to regret it a few months later. Both Washington and the Patriots will probably take a rookie passer in the draft, so they won't have much experience behind center in 2024.

On the other hand, the Pittsburgh Steelers hope Russell Wilson has a few good years left in him but hasn't been great the past two seasons. Meanwhile, Trevor Lawrence is coming off a down year but he was a big reason Jacksonville made the playoffs in 2022.

If Lawrence is healthy and can work on his fumbling issues, he'll have a chance to be a top 5 quarterback in 2024. Add the fact that the Jags addressed several needs in free agency, and they could be a realistic destination for Aiyuk.

A first-round pick in 2019, Aiyuk led San Franciso in receiving yards last year and is coming off back-to-back 1,000 seasons. It's difficult to stand out in an offense that includes Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, and receiver Deebo Samuel but that's what Aiyuk did. Not surprisingly, he wants a raise and wouldn't mind getting it from another team.

49ers general manager John Lynch is trying to shut down trade chatter, noting that they're working hard to ensure Aiyuk remains in the Bay Area. The 2023 Second-Team All-Pro receiver caught wind of Lynch's comments and took to social media to share his thoughts.

The Jaguars are a fit for Brandon Aiyuk but may no longer be interested

The Jaguars could most definitely use Brandon Aiyuk after losing Calvin Ridley in free agency. Although they signed Gabe Davis, they still need a WR1. Aiyuk fits the bill. The issue is that trading for him would be cost-prohibitive. The 49ers were asking for the 17th overall pick in the draft and Zay Jones. On top of that, Jacksonville would have to give Aiyuk a new contract.

Losing Zay Jones wouldn't hurt. The Jaguars would probably have to trade him to pave the way for Aiyuk. However, they could take one of the top receiver prospects with pick No. 17 and keep him at a rookie salary for four years. All things considered, that's a better use of resources and maybe why Jacksonville may no longer want to trade for Aiyuk.

Never say never, though. Trade talks could ramp up at any time, and the Jaguars may decide that trading for Aiyuk is better than going with any of this year's receiver prospects. Having said that, a trade seems unlikely right now, even if Jacksonville is his best landing spot.

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