The 49ers shouldn’t insist on getting a receiver in exchange for Brandon Aiyuk.

The 49ers could have traded receiver Brandon Aiyuk before the pick, securing assets that could have been used in April to fill the void Aiyuk left in September. But they didn’t.

Now, as the 49ers consider trading Aiyuk for a new team, they appear to want to get a player in return (ideally a receiver) so they don’t suffer a net loss at receiver in 2024.

When the New England Patriots were in the league, the possibility of former 49ers quarterback Kendrick Bourne returning to the 49ers arose. The Browns then reportedly offered Amari Cooper plus league draft picks in exchange for Aiyuk. (Aiyuk reportedly did not want to trade to either team.)

Since the Steelers have not offered any current players, and with no other team currently making a move for Aiyuk, the option (other than working things out with Aiyuk) seems to be to fix things and work out a long-term deal.

There’s an easy solution for the 49ers. Trade Aiyuk for draft picks, then work out a separate deal to get a receiver. It doesn’t have to be one deal. They can send Aiyuk wherever he wants to go, and then they can get what they need from wherever they can get it.

If they can’t make a long-term deal with Aiyuk, and if they want to fill that position after he’s gone, this may be the only way to do it.