Brandon Aiyuk is still a member of the San Francisco 49ers rip off the metaphorical band-aid and part ways with the former first-round pick. Selected 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.
Chargers Linked to Brandon Aiyuk In Latest Rumors
It should go without saying that the 49ers hope to trade Brandon Aiyuk, rather than release him. However, that may not be possible. Despite his immense talent, no team will be willing to give up much of anything for a player who missed all of last year, didn’t play well in 2024, and has several off-field concerns. However, Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport believes the Los Angeles Chargers could roll the dice on the wide receiver and pursue a trade.
“[T]he team could stand to add a wide receiver,” Davenport writes. “Ladd McConkey was great as a rookie but regressed a bit in 2025. Quentin Johnston has flashed at times but hasn’t lived up to his first-round draft slot…if [Aiyuk is healthy], he could be for the Chargers what they wanted Johnston to be: the outside complement to McConkey in the slot.”
Analyzing the Fit
On paper, Brandon Aiyuk is exactly what the Los Angeles Chargers need. As Davenport notes, the team is a little light at the wide receiver position. Last year, no quarterback had less collective help than Justin Herbert. While the team did its best to fix the offensive line, it largely ignored the pass-catching options. Ladd McConkey is a solid slot option, and Quentin Johnston is a fine depth player, but this team needs a proper starter. The Chargers play in arguably the game’s toughest division, and they need all the offensive firepower they can get.
Additionally, a reunion with Mike McDaniel might be a welcome one for Brandon Aiyuk. While the offensive guru is best known for his work in Miami, McDaniel first made a name for himself as the San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator. He should know how to get the most out of Aiyuk and how to keep him motivated and focused throughout the season.
Assuming the Chargers wouldn’t need to surrender anything more than a conditional late-round pick, this is a risk worth taking. Los Angeles has over $45 million in cap space, so they could easily take on Aiyuk’s contract – and they could probably talk the 49ers into eating some of the guaranteed money in a trade. Maybe Aiyuk’s best days are behind him, and we’ll never get another 1,000-yard season out of the former first-round pick. However, he’s just 28 years old and, assuming he’s healthy, should have some high-level play left in his tank. Hopefully, a new quarterback and environment can help get the most out of him.
Main Photo: Cary Edmondson – Imagn Images
