The Buffalo Bills are facing a challenging task this offseason as they look to replace the production of Stefon Diggs, who was traded to the Houston Texans earlier this month after four seasons with the team. Analysts suggest that the Bills could pursue a similar blockbuster trade to acquire a replacement. Pro Football Focus’ Sam Monson points to the San Francisco 49ers’ Brandon Aiyuk as a potential target.
Monson highlighted that no clear No. 1 receiving options are available to the Bills in free agency, and their No. 28 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft may not be high enough to land a top receiving prospect. He suggested that the Bills could try to trade for Tee Higgins from the Cincinnati Bengals, but the Bengals might be hesitant to trade him to a conference rival. Aiyuk, on the other hand, could be a more feasible option, although the Bills would likely need to offer a first-round draft pick in return.
Aiyuk is coming off a career-best season, recording 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns. The 49ers are reportedly interested in keeping him, but a compelling trade offer could change their minds.
However, acquiring Aiyuk would come with a hefty price tag. Spotrac projected his market value at a four-year contract worth $96.1 million. The Bills are already facing salary cap constraints, but they could free up some cap space in 2025 by trading Diggs, who had a $31.1 million dead cap hit but will save them $19 million in cash this year.
Despite losing Diggs and Gabe Davis this offseason, the Bills have added Curtis Samuel and Mack Hollins in free agency. Khalil Shakir and Justin Shorter are also expected to contribute in the receiving corps.
