The Buffalo Bills could answer one of the NFL's most intriguing questions of the offseason right away, and it wouldn't even break the bank. They could sign Brandon Aiyuk.
The free agency market has cooled for wide receivers. With a franchise tag applied to George Pickens, the trade for D.J. Moore, and big contracts handed out to Romeo Doubs, Alec Pierce, and Wan'Dale Robinson, there isn't much left to do.
Lots of names remain, but the interest will have waned. Can a player like Brandon Aiyuk compete with the market of Jauan Jennings, Deebo Samuel, and Darnell Mooney? For teams willing to overlook other issues, can he compete with Tyreek Hill and Stefon Diggs?
The root of the Brandon Aiyuk issue
A little over one year ago, Brandon Aiyuk was one of the undisputed stars of the NFL. He had big plays, consistency, and win after win attached to his name. When he got paid, inking a 4-year $120m contract, with $76m in guarantees, Aiyuk was worth it. One injury later, and the worries were there, but he was still set to be a highly competitive receiver for a long time to come. Then, the breakdown with the 49ers organization occurred.
The issue with injured players isn't that they want too much money, haven't shown they're worth paying, or even that they have those injuries and could miss time. The issue is the uncertainty.
When betting millions of dollars on free agents every offseason, there is an expectation of value returned on the field. Time missed for injuries pales as a factor when compared to losing a player's ceiling. When a player can play often, but never again at an elite level, the questions remain.
When a player finds themselves a source of controversy instead of a well-paid entertainer, the value dips considerably once again. Giving up draft picks or cap space for a player implies certain requirements; Expectations that you 'play ball' in both literal and figurative senses. In separating from the 49ers and losing contact throughout his injury rehab, Brandon Aiyuk gave them two major reasons for doubt.
When the team responded by voiding the immense guarantees remaining in his contract, it was officially the end. There is no salvaging a relationship by force.
Prove it, Aiyuk
The San Francisco 49ers are set to release Brandon Aiyuk, firm in the understanding that no team would sacrifice notable assets to then pay a player massive money for what is potentially a hobbled and untrustworthy partner. It's a non-starter. The only way forward for them is to release Aiyuk. The Buffalo Bills can easily find center stage.
As teams aren't sending their finest bouquets of draft picks to the 49ers, there is clearly no interest in Brandon Aiyuk as a long-term signing this offseason. Any team that believed so would surely be willing to part with some low-level draft picks to make it a reality. So, it will be a prove-it deal for Aiyuk.
Where better on earth to prove you're worthy of more than as one of the top two targets for Josh Allen in Joe Brady's offense? As a free agent, Brandon Aiyuk would find the Bills a natural destination. As an offense made whole with his addition, Buffalo could make a reasonable one-year offer to take a real shot at the Super Bowl. It's a match made in desperation, and it works.
The Buffalo Bills need it
The team has added D.J. Moore in that aforementioned trade, so why does this move feel needed? The answer is in the question. The Buffalo Bills added Moore out of sheer necessity- The new need is right alongside him.
Khalil Shakir is a dream in the slot, and they have physical depth in Joshua Palmer and Keon Coleman, but it's not complete. A receiver to win the battle on the other boundary, and perhaps draw some coverage for once, would be a game-changer.
His health isn't a concern this season, with nearly two full seasons of recovery to retake the field. Adding Aiyuk creates a nigh-unstoppable duo. The Bills' offense would be the most formidable in the NFL.
Before his injury, there was no more consistent a threat than Aiyuk, who averaged nearly 1,000 yards per season for his first four. His catch rate was excellent despite drawing coverage constantly, and production under duress doesn't lie. At only 28 this season, there's no reason not to pursue him, and the lane has never been more open.