San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has developed into one of the best pass-catchers in the NFL, and the 49ers may be forced to make a tough decision on him as a result.

ESPN’s Dan Graziano mentions Aiyuk as a potential trade candidate this coming offseason, citing the fact that he is due for a contract extension and that San Francisco may not have the financial wherewithal to make it happen.

Through 13 games this season, Aiyuk has caught 59 passes for 1,090 yards and six touchdowns.

Aiyuk, who played his collegiate football at Arizona State, was selected by the Niners with the 25th overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft.

He appeared in 12 contests during his rookie campaign and was impressive, logging 60 catches for 748 yards and five scores. The following year, Aiyuk participated in all 17 games and posted similar results, snaring 56 balls for 825 yards while reaching the end zone five times.

It wasn’t until Aiyuk’s third season that he truly broke out, as he hauled in 78 receptions for 1,015 yards and eight touchdowns over a full 17-game campaign.

Alongside of Deebo Samuel, Aiyuk has helped comprise one of the best receiving duos in football.

Of course, due to financial constraints, the 49ers may not be able to retain both players over the long haul.

San Francisco is already projected to be over the salary cap heading into the offseason, and it will also have a decision to make on newly acquired pass rusher Chase Young.

Given all of the talent on the Niners’ roster, someone will have to be a casualty, and it may end up being Aiyuk.

The 49ers could certainly bring in quite a haul in a potential Aiyuk trade, so it would not be surprising if the club explores trading him after the season.

Brandon Aiyuk is slated to make $14.1 million in 2024.

San Francisco is 11-3 and will battle the Baltimore Ravens in a potential Super Bowl preview on Christmas Day.

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