The NFL Free Agency is almost here, and one of the hottest storylines this upcoming offseason will be where the San Francisco 49ers’ wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk will go next. The team already clarified a few weeks ago that the team is moving in a different direction without Aiyuk, as the 49ers probably need to overhaul their entire offensive passing game either way. Kendrick Bourne and Jauan Jennings are slated to hit free agency, while the team is releasing Aiyuk, so the 49ers need to figure out who to prioritize this upcoming offseason. With the team moving on without Aiyuk, the 49ers could sign Bourne to another one-year deal, but for the sake of this article, Aiyuk is supposed to garner plenty of attention starting next month.
REPORT: 3 Suitors Emerge for Top NFL Free Agent Brandon Aiyuk
Aiyuk has made headlines this past 2025 regular season, as the receiver hasn’t been in contact with the team since suffering a gruesome season-ending injury in 2024. The 49ers don’t know where Aiyuk’s head space, as they’ve been trying to get in contact with him, but the receiver hasn’t been communicating with them. It’s fair to say that Aiyuk wants to take his talents elsewhere, which makes this challenging for him.
Due to his off-field issues, especially dealing with health problems, he runs a huge risk for the next team he signs with. However, similar to Stefon Diggs last offseason, Aiyuk could revitalize his career in the right environment. Originally selected as a first-round pick, the former All-Pro finished the 2023 campaign, recording 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns. Here are some teams that could take a chance on him.
Potential Fits
Dallas Cowboys
The expectation that the Dallas Cowboys could franchise tag George Pickens, it puts them officially in the danger zone this offseason. It’s been rumored that they may trade him if they tag him, and that is probably the last thing Cowboys fans want to hear. Dallas faces multiple decisions when it comes to the cap. They can’t retain everyone, including defensive tackle Kenny Clark, whom they just acquired, and may release him for money.
While they have to worry about extending running back Javonte Williams, the last resort might be signing Aiyuk on a low-stakes one-year contract. Aiyuk isn’t the most ideal WR for Dallas, but Jerry Jones loves giving second chances to star athletes who have a chance to revitalize their careers.
Philadelphia Eagles
Meanwhile, if the Eagles trade AJ Brown this offseason, a viable, cheap replacement might be Aiyuk. DeVonta Smith can’t afford to be alone in the aerial attack, so Philadelphia must find itself another versatile weapon for quarterback Jalen Hurts. While they can draft a receiver in the first-round of this year’s draft, it’s easier to snag one off free agency since the Eagles tend to turn receivers into stars. Aiyuk’s addition won’t be the best, but it’s better than what they have.
Pittsburgh Steelers
No matter if Aaron Rodgers returns or not, the Steelers will need to find more weapons for the next quarterback. Roman Wilson and Calvin Austin are solid, but they haven’t proven to be a Pro Bowler like DK Metcalf. With Adam Thielen retired, the Steelers signing Aiyuk, whom they viewed before a couple of offseasons ago, would make sense to stabilize this entire WR group.