Brandon Aiyuk and the San Francisco 49ers have not been on the same page ever since the wide receiver signed his massive extension, and just about everyone assumed the two sides would part ways during the offseason. After all, Aiyuk went AWOL on the organization, San Francisco voided the guaranteed money in his contract, and General Manager John Lynch even said he’s played his last snap with the 49ers. However, recent comments from owner Jed York suggest the wide receiver may return to the team.
“I think anything’s possible, right?” York said, via ESPN’s Nick Wagoner. “We want to make sure that we have as talented of a roster as possible. First and foremost, he needs to get healthy and be able to perform. I think once that happens, he’s a really, really good football player.”
Perhaps the 49ers truly believe they can salvage this relationship with Brandon Aiyuk, but it’s far more likely they’re trying to increase his trade value. Nobody will give up much of anything for the former 1,300-yard receiver, but even a seventh-round pick is preferable to just cutting him. While it’s been a while since we’ve seen Aiyuk play at a high level, the following three teams could roll the dice on him.
49ers Owner’s Comments Could Hint At A Brandon Aiyuk Trade
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots made the Super Bowl last year, but that doesn’t mean this team has a perfect roster. Quarterback Drake Maye and head coach Mike Vrabel have this team on the right track, but they need more offensive firepower to hold their own against what will be a harder schedule in 2026. Romeo Doubs is a fine WR2, but this team needs someone who can be the focal point of the passing attack. While an A.J. Brown trade seems like the most likely avenue to secure that type of player, they could also check in on Brandon Aiyuk and see if the 49ers are willing to deal him.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs missed the playoffs for the first time since Patrick Mahomes took over as quarterback, and they must do something to make his life easier in 2026. Mahomes is returning from a torn ACL and probably won’t have his usual mobility, at least early in the season. While Kenneth Walker will help the run game, somebody must step up in the receiving game. Rashee Rice is great, but Travis Kelce is getting older, and Xavier Worthy has yet to prove he can be a consistent receiving threat. Brandon Aiyuk offers plenty of upside and should mesh well with Andy Reid’s scheme.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints have hope for the future in second-round pick Tyler Shough. While he only played in the back half of the season, the Louisville product looked like a legitimate franchise quarterback and offered the team some legitimate hope for the first time since Drew Brees called it a career. Now, it’s time to capitalize on his rookie window. Chris Olave is a solid starter, but this team must find a competent starter opposite him. Brandon Aiyuk is an ideal choice for the job and should have this team ready to win a wide-open NFC South.