The NY Jets may not be the ones to ultimately trade for San Francisco 49ers star wide receiver Brandin Aiyuk, but it’s safe to say they have a vested interest in the outcome of the situation currently dominating NFL headlines.
Aiyuk has been the subject of heavy trade rumors throughout the offseason, and those rumors have ramped up in recent days. At this stage, it seems much more likely that he will be traded than that he will remain with the 49ers.
That’s already great news for the Jets, seeing as they play the NFC powerhouse 49ers on Monday Night Football in Week 1 this season. It would be nice to play a 49ers team without arguably their best weapon in the receiving game.
But it gets even better for the Jets. Aiyuk’s possible landing spots have dwindled in recent days, and two of the team’s biggest rivals have reportedly been removed from contention.
The NY Jets should be very happy with the latest Brandon Aiyuk trade update
The Buffalo Bills were once seen as a possible destination for Aiyuk in the event of a trade, but they don’t seem to be a likely option at this point. The same goes for the New England Patriots, who reportedly dropped out of the race late Tuesday night.
That eliminates the possibility of Aiyuk ending up in the AFC East. The Jets are likely pleased they won’t have to deal with the former Arizona State standout twice a year.
The remaining two options appear to be the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns, and reading between the lines, it’s become increasingly apparent which of those two options is more likely.
By all accounts, Aiyuk wants to be traded to the Steelers. He has all the leverage in this situation, seeing as he can simply refuse to sign an extension with whatever team he’s traded to. He effectively has an unofficial no-trade clause.
Aiyuk ending up in Pittsburgh would be a best-case scenario for the Jets. Assuming the All-Pro wide receiver wasn’t going to land with an NFC team (which never seemed likely), the Steelers are the best possible option for the Jets.
The Steelers are not a legitimate threat to contend in a loaded AFC. While they may not be a true bottom-feeder of the conference, the Steelers should not be seen as a genuine contender to make a serious push for the Super Bowl.
That, of course, benefits a team like the Jets, who are trying to make a deep playoff run of their own. Aiyuk would pose a much more significant threat on a team like the Cleveland Browns, who theoretically could be seen as contenders.
But Aiyuk seems to want the Steelers. That leaves the 49ers in a difficult position with virtually no leverage. Barring a change of heart or a drastic shift, Aiyuk seems likely to end up in Pittsburgh.
The Jets aren’t going to have to worry about Aiyuk coming to the AFC East nor do they have to be concerned about him being traded to a contender. This is the best possible outcome for the organization.
