I think the Jags would actually be a good spot. Give Trevor someone to grow with for 3-4 years and I think they could both benefit. Steelers would be a huge value plummet. Purdy and Aiyuk had great chemistry, so there is a chance at additional production. With a soon to be 31 year old Kittle and Deebo looking like he is aging in dog years, it may lend to more Aiyuk opportunities. I think Aiyuk would be the perfect receiver to pair with Mahomes, however even if cap-possible the Niners would never send him there.
In what world is Deebo aging in dog years? He's been dominant 2 of the last 3 seasons. He's a top-12 NFL WR.
As for Aiyuk, I think both the Jags and Steelers would be downgrades for him. Aiyuk is a very good WR, but he's also with a play caller who is excellent at scheming guys open, and Purdy is a better QB than Lawrence.
There's nothing really stopping the 49ers from keeping all of CMC, Deebo, Aiyuk, and Kittle. Having a QB on a Mr. Irrelevant rookie contract is a huge advantage.
Dog years may have been a poor description on my part. Deebo was absolutely dominant in 2021, I have personally not seen the same player since.
2021 obviously was a career year, where he was probably a top-5 overall offensive player in the NFL, but looked like a great player this year when healthy. I thought his only bad game all season was the Ravens game (which was a bad game for the 49ers in general) and maybe the Super Bowl, though I thought that was more a bad Shanahan game than Deebo game.
I like Aiyuk a lot, but I will agree that there are weeks where he's RIGHTFULLY the #4 option on the offense. Frankly, if anyone on this offense is underutilized its probably Kittle.
and Purdy is a better QB than Lawrence.
This is the only part of your post I am skeptical of.
And I’m a 49ers fan.
I love Purdy, but IMO Lawrence has better upside. Put TLaw on the 49ers and the sky’s the limit.
I know I'm probably in the minority, but I haven't been particularly impressed by Lawrence as a pro. Like, if I'm the Jags, I'm not even offering an extension this offseason, because I don't know if he's the guy going forward. I think Purdy is a better decision maker, who throws more accurate passes, and makes better reads. I'll agree Lawrence has a bigger arm, but that's the least important part.
Purdy is also in a significantly better situation with more talent around him from the jump.
Lawrence is 24. He’s had 3 seasons. I think it’s a bit premature to make these sweeping judgements of him. He has all the tools to be a great QB.
Maybe let this one simmer a little. The idea of not offering him an extension seems crazy to me.
Honestly, adjusted for situation, I'm not sure Lawrence has been any better than Fields through 3 years. Especially as Lawrence has played in a FAR easier division, with a much better supporting cast.
I'm just saying, I don't think Lawrence has played well. I think he's riding the Urban Meyer pass a lot longer than he deserves, and his 1st 3 years sure like a lot like Marcus Mariota or someone of that ilk. I also think he's had plenty of talent around him, sure not as much as Purdy, but Ridley/Kirk/Engram/Etienne, is better than what most QBs have had. Its not like he's been Daniel Jones (another guy with similar rate stats to Lawrence) and had to make due with Darius Slayton as his #1 WR.
My overall point, being that this is the Aiyuk thread, is that I think Aiyuk going to the Jags would be a downgrade for Aiyuk. Buffalo would be interesting, but I can't see them making it work if they then have to extend him, unless it were a super backloaded deal.
