It goes without saying that Brandon Aiyuk will not be a 49er by Week 1, as the team is actively trying to trade him during the 2026 NFL Draft. A first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Arizona product quickly established himself as one of the better receivers out there and, at one point, looked like a longtime fixture in this passing attack. After a 1,000-yard season in 2022, Aiyuk helped the 49ers make the Super Bowl by recording 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and eight touchdowns on just 114 targets.
The 49ers gave him a massive extension following the season, and they quickly came to regret it. Injuries limited the wide receiver to just seven games in 2024, and he didn’t play at all in 2025. Additionally, he reportedly went AWOL on the team, and the 49ers voided his guaranteed money. Brandon Aiyuk might still have something in his tank, but it’s clear this relationship is far too damaged to continue. The only question is whether or not San Francisco will trade or release the veteran.
49ers GM John Lynch Speaks on Brandon Aiyuk Trade
During a recent media appearance, San Francisco 49ers General Manager John Lynch didn’t sound too optimistic about the odds of coming to terms on a Brandon Aiyuk trade. While he didn’t rule it out, it sounds like he plans on releasing the wideout at some point after the 2026 NFL Draft.
“I’ve had some discussions [on a Brandon Aiyuk trade],” Lynch said. “Do I think it’s a high probability? Likely no. Is there a chance? Yeah.”
You don’t need to be a genius to figure out that there aren’t too many teams willing to trade for Brandon Aiyuk and surrender a draft pick for his contract. While he will likely generate some interest following his inevitable release, it’s clear teams don’t view him as anything more than a high-risk, medium-reward option. Perhaps some team sends over a late-round pick if they miss on their preferred option in the draft, but that doesn’t sound likely.
