A resolution between the San Francisco 49ers and WR Brandon Aiyuk has yet to come together this offseason. While it was expected that the Washington Commanders would target Aiyuk, it doesn’t look like that will be the case anymore. It’s no surprise that it might not be ideal to add Aiyuk anymore as part of Jayden Daniels’ offense. The Commanders brought back Dyami Brown while signing Van Jefferson for depth behind Terry McLaurin and Luke McCaffrey. It was sensible for the team to add these receivers, especially with McCaffrey recovering from his latest season-ending injury.
However, Washington selected Clemson product Antonio Williams with the No. 71 pick. It might not make sense for the Commanders to go backwards if they’re building a long-term offense for Daniels. The Athletic reports that the Commanders are unlikely to work out a trade, which means they could wait until he’s a free agent. Although the Commanders are probably better off sticking with the guys they have now.
4 Teams Poised to Trade for Top Candidate Brandon Aiyuk After Latest Commanders News
The question for Aiyiuk is whether or not he will play again in the NFL at all. Nobody knows what will happen next, but the 49ers will need to decide. The former first-rounder will likely be out of work for at least a year once released. It seemed like Aiyuk was on track to return at some point during last season, and with the team still holding the receiver, you’d wonder what could be next.
The veteran has already made it clear that he no longer wants to be with the 49ers anymore. If the 49ers are still holding their breath for a trade, here are four possible teams that could grant their wishes.
Possible Fits
Los Angeles Chargers
The free agency for the Los Angeles Chargers has been a complete disappointment. While they didn’t re-sign Keenan Allen, the Chargers waited until the NFL Draft to select Brenen Thompson with the fourth-round pick. It’s reasonable why the Chargers are rebuilding, given that fact that Mike Williams is retired and Allen’s prime days are over. However, the team had multiple opportunities to sign at least a decent veteran pass-catcher like Jauan Jennings to boost this offense for QB Justin Herbert.
The Chargers can’t afford to lean all of the responsibility on Ladd McConkey, who is becoming a ferocious playmaker similar to Alec Pierce and carrying this pass-offense. Quentin Johnston has shown improvement, but not on the level of McConkey. If Tre Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith aren’t quite ready for a bigger role, it’d be sensible to add Aiyuk on a decent trade and give up at least a 2027 third-round pick.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Meanwhile, the Jaguars don’t necessarily need a new WR since they have Jakobi Meyers, Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter, but Thomas has been in numerous trade rumors. While it has died down following the NFL Draft weekend, it could pick back up before the 2026 campaign. Jacksonville could build a super veteran team and add Aiyuk to provide some experienced reinforcements for Trevor Lawrence if they move on from Thomas.
Los Angeles Rams
Earlier this offseason, the Rams explored trading Davante Adams, and even though they decided against it, it’s fair to wonder what the WR outlook will be behind Puka Nacua once Adams retires. This is something to worry about next offseason, but since Matthew Stafford is also in his possible last year in the league if he can’t agree to a new contract, it might be safer than sorry for the Rams to add one more veteran. Los Angeles wants to win one more Super Bowl in the Sean McVay-Stafford era, and adding Aiyuk for depth would make sense to help Adams in the aerial attack.
Kansas City Chiefs
Since the Chiefs are wary of the future of Rashee Rice due to persistent off-field legal issues, this might be his last season in Kansas City. The offense has plenty of weapons between Xavier Worthy, Tyquan Thornton and rising star Jalen Royals. However, they don’t have an explosive playmaker that can help Patrick Mahomes. Aiyuk is no longer in his original form, but if he joins the Chiefs, he could break out for one more season.
