There are mere days left before the Las Vegas Raiders participate in the 2026 NFL Draft. While seemingly everybody knows that they’re going to select a quarterback in the first round, it’s much more interesting what they could do in the second.
There’s a big need at wide receiver, and the team has done a lot of work on the position ahead of the draft. It wouldn’t be a surprise if they addressed the need in the second round, but there are other big needs on the roster.
If the Raiders end up missing out on a wide receiver in the second round, they might want to consider some veteran options. There are players like Stefon Diggs and Tyreek Hill in free agency, but they are likely looking to play for teams that are closer to winning.
One of the most fascinating stories in the NFL over the last year has involved the San Francisco 49ers and Brandon Aiyuk. After signing a big contract before the 2024 season, he has had a lot of problems.
He only played seven games in 2024 and decided to take the 2025 season off. This was a problem for the 49ers, and they voided the guarantees on his contract. However, they have yet to officially cut him. That could be because they’re still hoping to trade him.
Should the Raiders Trade for Aiyuk?
Aiyuk is from Nevada and flirted with the idea of coming to the Raiders when Antonio Pierce was the head coach. However, that’s a distant memory at this point.
Aiyuk’s last year with the 49ers is a massive red flag. There still hasn’t been much explanation as to why he chose not to play last season. During his last healthy season, he had 75 catches for 1,342 yards. He has proven to be a major impact player.
That said, trading for him doesn’t make much sense. The 49ers are likely going to eventually release him outright. Considering the steps he was willing to take not to play for the 49ers, it would be risky for any team to trade for his contract.
The Raiders can’t give up a draft pick to San Francisco only for Aiyuk to decide he doesn’t want to play. Las Vegas would be better off waiting for the 49ers to release him and then seeing if he’s interested in signing.
John Lynch Thinks Aiyuk Trade is Unlikely
The 49ers would likely be very happy if they were able to salvage an asset for Aiyuk. This whole situation has been a total disaster for them.
At this point, general manager John Lynch isn’t confident he’ll be able to find a trade partner.
“I’ve had some discussions,” Lynch said of an Aiyuk trade during his Monday media availability. “Do I think it’s a high probability? Likely no. But is there a chance? Yeah, I think there’s a chance.
“I think, as for that whole dialogue, I think I was candid with you guys in saying at the end of the season that he’s likely played his last snap for us. We all are in concert in where we’re going with Brandon. At league meetings, I talked to you guys. I thought it would have been irresponsible not to give it through league meetings because there’s various inflection points where a lot of deals at least start to get talked about.”
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