Who Should I Start? Brandon Aiyuk or Xavier Johnson

Thursday, March 6, 9:20 PM

The Athletic's David Lombardi said on the Pat McAfee Show on Thursday that he doesn't "think it's likely that the San Francisco 49ers are gonna trade Brandon Aiyuk." However, he also said "it's something that they're not saying a firm no to, though." The new contract that Aiyuk signed before last season wouldn't necessarily be a deterrent to a trade as much as the fact that he tore his ACL and MCL last season. If a team wanted to trade for the 26-year-old former first-rounder, they'd be inheriting him at four years and $110 million. Aiyuk also has a $20 million guarantee that kicks in on April 1, so it gives San Fran a little extra time to try and find a trade partner, despite just recently dealing Deebo Samuel Sr. to the Commanders. Before Aiyuk's injury, he didn't look good with 25 catches for 374 yards and no touchdowns in seven games. Depending on his recovery from his major knee injury, Aiyuk could be a rebound candidate in fantasy if he stays with the Niners now that Samuel is out of town.

Wednesday, January 22, 7:23 PM

The Houston Texans announced on Wednesday that they signed wide receivers Xavier Johnson and Johnny Johnson III, guard Tremayne Anchrum Jr., cornerbacks Anthony Averett and Gregory Junior, defensive end Solomon Byrd, running backs Jawhar Jordan and J.J. Taylor, defensive tackle Jayden Peevy, quarterback Kedon Slovis and safety Russ Yeast to Reserve/Futures deals. Johnson signed with the Buffalo Bills in free agency last offseason but was cut before the start of the regular season before latching on with Houston's practice squad in 2024. The 25-year-old Cincinnati native was never elevated to the Texans' active 53-man roster during the regular season and has yet to make his debut in the NFL. Johnson will now continue his development in Houston and will hope to make the active roster out of training camp this summer.