AJ Brown
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A.J. Brown could land with the 49ers in 2026.
The San Francisco 49ers can find a win-win trade situation this offseason as two beleaguered wide receivers could find new beginnings with contenders.
San Francisco can trade star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and two draft picks for Philadelphia Eagles star wideout A.J. Brown in a proposed move by Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton. Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni and general manager Howie Roseman have been clear that the future is unknown for Brown in Philadelphia amid conflict last season.
“Will A.J. be here next season?” Sirianni said during Tuesday’s media session at the NFL Combine. “I think we’re still in a spot, like, I can’t guarantee how anything is going to play out into next season. I’m thinking I’m going to be the coach next season, but you can’t guarantee anything past tomorrow.”
Moton suggests that the 49ers will need to send a second-round pick and a fifth-round pick for Brown. Aiyuk has been a non-factor and sidelined for most of the past two seasons amid injury, but he had a big season in 2023 with 75 catches for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns.
“I think you go into the league year listening to offers for everything and anything,” Roseman told reporters. “Without getting into specifics on any player, we’re always listening, and we’re always kind of open.”
While San Francisco and Philadelphia have been heated NFC playoff rivals, the two could come to the table this offseason.
San Francisco Needs This Move
As Moton sees it, the 49ers have urgency in making a move for Brown despite a strong offense in 2025 without Aiyuk on the field.
“The San Francisco 49ers could lose wide receivers Jauan Jennings and Kendrick Bourne in free agency,” Moton wrote. “They will likely release Brandon Aiyuk after voiding the guarantees in his contract, though he can be an add-on in a trade package.”
“The 49ers can’t reasonably expect wide receiver Ricky Pearsall to handle a heavy target share,” Moton wrote. “Though he’s shown flashes, the 25-year-old has suffered multiple injuries after recovering from a gunshot wound in 2024. In two seasons, the former first-rounder has suited up for 20 games.
“At 32, tight end George Kittle is recovering from a ruptured Achilles,” Moton concluded.
The 49ers could end up with a very different core of pass catchers for the 2026 season, and Brown, a three-time All-Pro, could ease however much transition the team faces among skill players.
Brown caught 78 passes for 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns in 2025.
49ers Need Answer For Brandon Aiyuk
The Niners have a win-now roster, and getting talent and/or draft capital for him is critical this offseason instead of just releasing him.
“With a $265 million investment in quarterback Brock Purdy, San Francisco needs to bolster his supporting cast to get the most out of him,” Moton wrote. “Brown would be the 49ers’ top receiver and take some of the pass-catching workload off soon-to-be 30-year-old Christian McCaffrey and Pearsall. “
“One way or another, Aiyuk needs a change of scenery after he cut off communication with the 49ers during his knee injury rehab process,” Moton added. “There’s no guarantee he’ll be motivated to play in Philadelphia, but the Eagles can kick the tires on him as a pickup along with second- and fifth-round picks.”
“If it doesn’t work out, they can release him without being tied to his non-guaranteed contract,” Moton concluded.