If the Dallas Cowboys were to pull off this blockbuster trade scenario, they would undoubtedly cause a stir.
A one-for-one trade between San Francisco 49ers wideout Brandon Aiyuk and Cowboys standout receiver CeeDee Lamb was suggested by K.D. Drummond of Cowboys Wire. Arriving in 2024, both receivers’ circumstances are remarkably identical, with the 2020 draft picks threatening to hold out unless they sign new contracts throughout training camp. The main distinction is that Aiyuk has requested a move, while Lamb has not.
Drummond uses the money the Cowboys would save on a prospective Aiyuk deal as an example of why they would profit from such a transaction as opposed to one involving Lamb.
Regarding Lamb’s possible contract, Drummond speculates that “perhaps the Cowboys are not interested in having a $35 million a year receiver during a transition period.” “Aiyuk would require less guaranteed money—money teams must put into escrow every time they sign a player contract—and they would save $25 million over the course of a five-year deal.”
Why the Trade of Brandon Aiyuk Could Help the Cowboys
Despite the fact that both players are regarded as elite receivers, Lamb is seen as superior and is unquestionably more productive. The three-time Pro Bowl receiver just finished first in the league with 136 receptions, 1,749 receiving yards, and 12 touchdowns. It wouldn’t be shocking in the slightest to see Lamb match or perhaps exceed Justin Jefferson’s record-breaking contract, worth an average of $35 million year, with the Minnesota Vikings.
However, Aiyuk is expected to have a lower market value than Lamb due to his lower productivity. According to Spotrac, Aiyuk will be worth $104.6 million in total over the course of four years, or $26.2 million. Even though Aiyuk’s new contract would place him sixth in the league in terms of pay, it is still significantly less than what Lamb is expected to make.
Lamb is expected to make about $136 million in total over the course of four years, or $34.0 million annually, based on Spotrac’s current market value.
The Cowboys would save almost $8 million annually due to the disparity in contract prices, which would undoubtedly aid them in completing the impending deal extensions for players like Dak Prescott and Micah Parsons.
Along with Lamb, an excellent receiver, the Cowboys would also be losing out on Aiyuk, a very solid receiver on a loaded offensive line that also includes George Kittle and Deebo Samuel.
The proposed deal could make sense if these two clubs weren’t seen as rivals—the Cowboys have fallen to the Niners twice in the playoffs in recent years. But don’t expect a deal involving two elite receivers, as both teams are fighting for NFC supremacy.
