The San Francisco 49ers have yet to cut ties with wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk this offseason, but head coach Kyle Shanahan reaffirmed that a breakup between both sides is on the horizon.
During media availability at the 2026 League Meetings, Shanahan said that the 49ers hope to trade Aiyuk and get some value back in return. However, San Francisco isn't in a rush to get anything done.
"49ers HC Kyle Shanahan said the team hopes the team can get something in return for WR Brandon Aiyuk. He said he's not sure when that might take place," The Athletic's Dianna Russini said on X.
"I know we're in no rush to do that [trade Aiyuk]," Shanahan said.
Back in January, 49ers general manager John Lynch stated that Aiyuk has played his last snap with the franchise after a tremendous 2025 campaign.
Aiyuk didn't play a game this past year while still recovering from a torn ACL and MCL. However, once the 49ers placed the veteran receiver on the reserved/left squad list in December, it was clear something was going on behind the scenes.
A fresh start is needed for both sides, and though Aiyuk has appeared in just seven games over the last two seasons, teams could be interested in taking a flyer on the former second-team All-Pro selection and see if he can revive his career.
The Washington Commanders make the most sense for Aiyuk, as the 28-year-old played with quarterback Jayden Daniels in college at Arizona State, and Washington has a need for a No. 2 receiver opposite Terry McLaurin.
The New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers could also be in the market for more receiving talent and take a chance on Aiyuk.
Nevertheless, Aiyuk will be with a new squad in 2026, and we'll see whether he can get back on track after a rough last two years in San Francisco.
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