Last season the Cleveland Browns were said to be looking to trade for Brandon Aiyuk of the San Francisco 49ers. History has a way of repeating itself as Aiyuk is allegedly on the market and the Browns just might have in interest. The Browns would apparently have two problems with making a deal for Aiyuk, per rumors that claim they’ve made a trade call here.

First, they need to keep all of their draft choices to fill holes on the depth chart. Second, Aiyuk does not come cheap. He signed a backloaded four-year, $120 million extension with the 49ers last season. Aiyuk has a manageable cap number through 2026. In 2027 his cap number bloats to $42.3 million. The Browns just signed Myles Garrett to a gargantuan extension and cannot afford to take on more high salaries.

Aiyuk is also considered damage goods. If he were a draft choice, he would have a Red Cross next to his name. He tore his ACL halfway through last season. He would be a tremendous risk for the Browns to take on.

While healthy, Aiyuk is as good as they come. In 2023, he caught 75 passes for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns. The problem is he is not healthy now. Related: Cleveland Browns Receive Strong Mandate for 2025 NFL Draft San Francisco is likely going to have a high asking price for Aiyuk and the Browns can’t afford it. The 49ers are going to want at least a second-round selection for the standout receiver. … a concept worthy of debate given his rehab status.

It’s a bad deal all around for the Browns all around. To pay the King’s Ransom for an injured player and pay all of the money sought and give up a high pick, it just is not worth it.