What became of the picks the 49ers sent for Aiyuk?
The 2020 NFL Draft was an interesting set of nights for the San Francisco 49ers. The team executed a trade back in the first round (leading to Javon Kinlaw), and a trade-up in the first round from 31 to 25 (leading to Brandon Aiyuk), and the team traded for future Hall of Fame left tackle Trent Williams to replace future Hall of Fame left tackle Joe Staley.
Let’s review the trade between the 49ers and the Minnesota Vikings.
Original terms of the Brandon Aiyuk trade
49ers receive: Pick 25 in the 2020 NFL Draft
Minnesota gets: Pick 31, 117, and 176 in the 2020 NFL Draft.
How has Brandon Aiyuk performed since the 49ers traded up to take him?
The 49ers targeted the former ASU receiver and sent three picks for Aiyuk’s services. Safe to say, the trade was a success. Aiyuk’s rookie season was filled with promise as the young receiver posted 748 yards on 60 catches and five touchdowns playing with backup quarterbacks. 2021 started slowly for Aiyuk, but he finished strong as the 49ers played in the NFC Championship game with 826 yards on 56 catches and five touchdowns.
2022 & 2023 were Aiyuk’s breakout seasons. With back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and a second-team All-Pro nod, Aiyuk staked his claim as a top receiver in the NFL. Last season, after a contract holdout, Aiyuk’s season was cut short with a devastating knee injury.
How did the Vikings use their picks from the Brandon Aiyuk trade?
The Vikings’ 31st overall pick was CB Jeff Gladney from TCU. Unfortunately, Gladney, a member of the Arizona Cardinals, passed away in a car accident in 2022.
Pick 117 was DE D.J. Wonnum from South Carolina. Wonnum spent four seasons with Minnesota before leaving for Carolina in 2024. Wonnum has 162 pressures, 29 sacks, 23 QB hits, 110 hurries, and ten batted passes for his career.
WR K.J. Osborn from the University of Miami completed the Aiyuk trade at pick 176. After three seasons with the Vikings, Osborn spent his 2024 season with New England and Washington. Osborn has 167 catches, 1,922 yards, and 17 touchdowns for his career.
Trades are always interesting to look back on. In this case, the compensation sent for Aiyuk hasn’t turned into impact players for the Vikings and looks like a steal for the 49ers.