I think Payne is a good DT. Not great or a game changer but a quality starter. But I’d take that deal in a heartbeat.
Not that I think the Ravens would offer it.
That would be a very risky strategy on his part. Cap space gets used up and potential landing spots dry up. It can pay off if a team that needs a receiver (like us) fails to land someone - but if I was advising the player I’d say the downside risk is higher than the upside.
We need a #2 and #3 WR IMO. Id be trying to sign someone who comes in as a firm #2/3 irrespective of what we are hoping/planning to do in the draft. If we sign (say) Jennings and draft Tate we will be in 11 personnel a ton and they will be both be starters anyway.
Absolutely not. Fine if Aiyuk is a free agent and is on a cheap ‘prove it’ deal. But no one is taking on the contract he has let alone trading any asset for the right to do so …
Not sure if you aware of the Canadian comedy show Letterkenny? (It’s on Hulu). One of the recurring jokes on there is hockey interviews (doing the small things, all four lines banging, playing for our brothers …)
I smile at these interviews. I mean ‘He’s always looking to score …” As opposed to what? Looking to fall over at the first opportunity?
I don’t blame the players - too much air time and infinite column inches to fill. Too many banal questions and platitudes for answers.
Frank Zappa once said...
It’s not a strategy it’s a prayer.
They know they can’t go into the season without adding at least two more starter level WRs. It’s a deep draft at WR and there will be other options as we go post draft and into training camp with releases and maybe trade options.
A lot of time yet.
The only way any team will be interested in him is on a cheap one year ‘prove it’ deal. No one is trading anything for a player who has not played for almost two seasons, has some character/motivation question marks and has the size of contract that would come with him.
He can’t report yet can he? That would be when training camp starts. That’s the mandatory reporting time I think - so mid to late July depending when the 49ers start their training camp.
I THINK therefore late July is when Aiyuk could force their hand and the latest the 49ers could hang onto...
He played as a stand up OLB at both the Ravens and last year when he went to the Chargers. If we do play more 3 down looks he would be a stand up backer in base. Whether he stands up or puts his hand in the dirt he’s going primarily be setting an edge and rushing the passer.
Don’t think we have the assets (or the will) to make that trade and I really don’t think the Eagles would pull the trigger. Draft is where we get the #2 WR IMO.