The New Orleans Saints are in an exciting phase of their journey. With Tyler Shough stepping up as a promising quarterback, and Kellen Moore steering the ship, things are looking bright in the Big Easy. The Saints have managed to navigate their cap issues, setting the stage for some strategic moves this offseason.
One of the key areas they’re looking to bolster is the wide receiver position. While Chris Olave and Devaughn Vele are solid targets for Shough, adding another dynamic receiver could elevate his game in his sophomore year.
Enter the intriguing proposal from Alex Ballentine: the Saints could make a play for San Francisco 49ers' receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Aiyuk, who’s reportedly on shaky ground with the 49ers, could be a steal for New Orleans.
The proposed trade would see the Saints acquire Aiyuk in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick and a conditional 2027 Day 3 pick. This move would allow the Saints to secure Aiyuk before he potentially hits the open market.
Aiyuk’s current contract, a hefty $120 million deal, is a sticking point. The Saints likely wouldn't commit to that kind of salary after his challenging 2025 season, where he didn’t play due to a fallout with the 49ers following an ACL injury in 2024. Before that setback, Aiyuk had shown flashes of brilliance, with a standout 2023 season where he racked up 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns.
If Aiyuk can return to his pre-injury form, he could be a fantastic addition alongside Olave, creating a formidable trio with Vele for Shough. However, as Ballentine notes, this move is a gamble, hinging on Aiyuk’s ability to bounce back.
For the Saints, the decision boils down to weighing the risk against the potential reward. While trading for Aiyuk presents an intriguing opportunity, waiting to sign him as a free agent might be a more prudent approach. Regardless, the prospect of Aiyuk joining the Saints adds an exciting layer to their offseason strategy.