The San Francisco 49ers are said to be willing to trade wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, and interested teams might have to move fast.

With an April 1 option bonus of $22.855 million, the 49ers want to free up cap space, particularly with a potential extension for quarterback Brock Purdy looming.

49ers Open to Trading Aiyuk Before Option Bonus Deadline

NFL Trade Rumors: Are 49ers Willing to Trade Brandon Aiyuk NFL Trade Rumors: Are 49ers Willing to Trade Brandon Aiyuk
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Aiyuk, who tore his ACL, MCL, and meniscus last season, will not be back until late next season. With his current status, the 49ers are thinking of trading him for a mid-round draft choice. The Los Angeles Chargers are one possible destination, with an estimated third-round pick for Aiyuk, according to Bleacher Report's Moe Moton.

Chargers Have Cap Space and Need for Depth

Moton suggests that the Chargers, with $50.7 million of cap space available, would take on Aiyuk's deal and wait for his return without an instant need for production.

Los Angeles ended last season at 11-6, getting most of their work done from rookie receiver Ladd McConkey as their go-to pass-catcher. Bringing in Aiyuk, once healthy, would provide the Los Angeles Chargers with a lethal deep threat that could work alongside McConkey's intermediate route running.

Aiyuk Better Suited for Justin Herbert's Strong Arm

Aiyuk's field-stretching ability would flourish with Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, whose arm is among the strongest in the league.

According to Sports Illustrated, Herbert's accuracy on deep balls would enable Aiyuk to reach his ceiling as a perimeter threat, something he has yet to fully exploit with Brock Purdy, who is better suited for short and intermediate throws than deep balls.

Will the Chargers Make a Move on an Aiyuk Trade?

If the Chargers will send their third-round pick to the 49ers for Aiyuk, it's a sure bet the deal will be accepted. Yet there is still doubt regarding whether any team would step up to assume the 27-year-old WR's option bonus before he's physically prepared to return to action.

Time is Running Out for a Potential Deal

Next week will be crucial as teams interested in Brandon Aiyuk must act quickly to secure the talented receiver. If no deal is made before the bonus is due, the 49ers may be forced to reconsider their options or hold onto Aiyuk until he is fully recovered.