There is a lot to unpack with the Brandon Aiyuk-San Francisco 49ers drama. But as for what we know, the Niners have voided his guaranteed money for 2026 earlier this season. It happened during training camp as Aiyuk had not been meeting the requirements of his deal. He has not played yet this season as he was originally recovering from a torn ACL. But it appears he won't be making his return this season.
And he most likely will not be suiting up for the 49ers ever again.
It's a bizarre change from how the Niners were set up to have their No. 1 receiver for the long term. But now, San Francisco will need to move on and reconsider their new go-to guy for Brock Purdy.
But first — unless a major change in both sides' relationship with each other happens — the 49ers will need to discuss moving on from Aiyuk, preferably, through a trade. Aiyuk still has plenty of value as a wide receiver for just about any ball club.
Let's take a look at which teams will be going all in on Aiyuk next offseason.
New York Jets
The New York Jets have plenty of building pieces on offense and multiple high draft picks over the next two years. They have Garrett Wilson, one of the league's top slot receivers, already locked up long term along with a few other important young players. Braelon Allen is a solid dual-threat option when healthy, and rookie Armand Membou has lived up to his first-round pick expectations. If the Jets lock up Breece Hall with a new contract in the offseason, then they will have a really good offense once they figure out their quarterback situation.
One more player to throw into the mix to make their team that much better would be making a trade for Aiyuk. The Jets have the draft capital and cap space to make it happen, even once Aiyuk hits his 2027 and 2028 years of his contract.
Plus five receivers are scheduled to hit free agency this offseason. Including guys like John Metchie III and Allen Lazard. Aiyuk would be a significant upgrade over the guys who are expected to leave in 2026. And it would help get the Jets out of being in last place in passing yards per game.
If the Jets offer one of their first-round picks in the upcoming draft, or even a high second-round pick, then San Francisco wouldn't hesitate whatsoever.
Baltimore Ravens
Fans and analysts have been saying how Lamar Jackson needs help since the start of his career. As far as Pro Bowl wideouts go, Jackson has only had one receiver earn that accolade while on the Baltimore Ravens as the former Heisman winner.
In fact, Jackson has had only two receivers who have reached 1,000 yards in a season: Marquise Brown (who was traded away right after hitting the mark) and Zay Flowers. DeAndre Hopkins is still playing well at his age, but he'll be 34 years old next season, and it would be best for the Ravens to get younger in the receiver room.
The best way to do that, and keep up with Jackson's prime, is by making a trade for a proven No. 1 receiver who is still young. Aiyuk would be a huge lift for the Ravens passing game that ranks as fourth-lowest in the league for passing yards per game.
Plus, the Ravens will likely be moving on from some key names in its passing game, including tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely in free agency. And receivers Tylan Wallace and Hopkins could be leaving to go elsewhere.
It might be a bit costly for the Ravens long term. So this might be a situation where the Ravens are going all in.
That means the 49ers could ask for a high price from Baltimore.
Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans have invested in Cam Ward for the future with the No. 1 overall pick. And the best way they will be able to help him is by giving him more support.
All great quarterbacks have a pass catcher they build up their chemistry with. Peyton Manning had Marvin Harrison, Tom Brady had Rob Gronkowski, and Joe Montana had Jerry Rice. Ward needs his target to build with.
And getting someone like Aiyuk would be a huge boost for the former Hurricane.
Not a single one of his receivers has yet to go over 400 yards this year. Calvin Ridley is Tennessee's default top receiver, but he's still far away from his production in 2020 when he earned a second-team All-Pro selection. Ward has yet to look like he's been in a rhythm or as if he's found his best target that he can grow with.
The best thing for the Titans to do, before they inevitably try to tank for a top receiver in the next draft class, would be to make a trade for Aiyuk. The Titans would have plenty of cap space going into next season, and they would have an offense that is starting to build with some key weapons at receiver.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders are projected to go into next season with the best cap space situation in the league. They just traded away their No. 1 receiver in Jakobi Myers to the Jacksonville Jaguars after moving on from Davante Adams the previous offseason. Vegas is still building out its roster and already has two huge building pieces at its skilled positions in tight end Brock Bowers and running back Ashton Jeanty.
Aiyuk is made to be the No. 1 guy for the Raiders. He would bolster the roster even further than it's been in years past. And he would be a welcome addition to build out the rest of the passing game along with Bowers and Tre Tucker.
The Raiders are in desperte need of continuing their revamp under Brady, and Aiyuk would be the perfect fit to fully hone in on a rebuild.