The San Francisco 49ers suffered a huge loss Week 7 against the Kansas City Chiefs, losing top wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk for the remainder of the season.
The 49ers later confirmed that Aiyuk tore both his ACL and MCL. The injury occurred when Aiyuk was hit by two defenders, causing his knee to bend awkwardly.
Aiyuk’s loss significantly impacts the 49ers’ receiving corps, particularly with other issues affecting Deebo Samuel, who is currently in the hospital with pneumonia. The 49ers’ other top wideout, Jauan Jennings, has also missed some time with a hip injury. Considering San Francisco’s current ailments at WR, some analysts are wondering if a trade could be in the works soon.
Kyle Madson USA Today’s Niners Wire put together a few realistic trade possibilities for San Francisco, along with a few pipe dream ideas. One of the pipe dream candidates in particular is interesting: Chris Olave of the New Orleans Saints.
Is This Trade Even Possible?
Probably not. Madson was careful to emphasize that this is a pipe dream. That said, it’s still an idea worth considering for the 49ers.
“Adding another top-of-the-depth-chart WR may be imperative to the 49ers’ success this season,” Madson wrote on October 21, adding:
“Olave is on Year 3 of his rookie contract. He’s an exceptional young receiver who should be part of the Saints’ plans for the foreseeable future no matter what their quarterback situation looks like. However, the 49ers would be wise to do due diligence and see if there’s a price the Saints would accept for the No. 11 overall pick in the 2022 draft. … Landing Olave would mean the 49ers landed a new No. 1 WR.”
Why the 49ers Should Try to Trade for Saints WR Chris Olave
Adding a player with Olave’s potential would give the 49ers one of the most promising young receivers in the NFL. Olave’s youth, route-running ability and overall production would make him a seamless fit into the 49ers’ offensive system, where he’d complement Samuel and tight end George Kittle. His versatility as a deep threat and reliable possession receiver would also give QB Brock Purdy another huge playmaker to work with.
Moreover, the 49ers are still in a win-now mode, with a roster loaded with talent on both sides of the ball, particularly after signing stars such as Nick Bosa and Christian McCaffrey to long-term deals. They want to keep their offense potent as they make a push for the playoffs and potentially another Super Bowl appearance.
