Jeff Hafley Brandon Aiyuk
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Bleacher Report's Moe Moton named Jeff Hafley and the Miami Dolphins a potential landing spot for wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.
The Miami Dolphins hit the reset button at quarterback and wide receiver this offseason. A fresh start makes sense, but the cupboard is now bare at wideout for new Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis. Miami, though, could fix that with one receiver potentially set to still be traded this offseason — Brandon Aiyuk.
This week, Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton named four potential landing spots for Aiyuk if the San Francisco 49ers trade or release him this offseason.
The Dolphins were one of Moton’s four landing spots.
“Aiyuk would be the clear-cut No. 1 option in Miami’s aerial attack. Also working in his favor, he’s familiar with offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, who was the 49ers’ passing game specialist and coordinator from 2021 to 2022. In the latter year, Aiyuk recorded career highs in catches (78) and touchdown receptions (eight),” wrote Moton.
“If anyone can help Aiyuk get back on the right track as one of the league’s ascending receivers, it’s Slowik.”
Aiyuk missed all of the 2025 campaign because of knee injuries. In August 2024, he signed a 4-year, $120 million extension with the 49ers.
Why the Dolphins Could Target WR Brandon Aiyuk
Brandon Aiyuk
GettyThe San Francisco 49ers could still trade wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk this offseason.
Aiyuk doesn’t seem to really fit what the Dolphins are doing on offense this offseason. Miami has dumped a lot of expensive, veterans to clear roster space for younger players.
It’s a fresh start plan that will likely take years to materialize because the salary cap issues the Dolphins are accepting to move on from several veterans.
Moton, though, sees the Dolphins as a potential suitor for Aiyuk because of their plethora of draft picks. Miami also can’t expect Willis to have success with the team’s current receiver room.
For Willis’s development sake, the Dolphins have to add a veteran wideout with more experience before the regular season.
“The rebuilding Miami Dolphins may be wary of investing in a receiver who has experienced recent friction with his current team. On the other hand, they have 11 draft picks, which gives them flexibility to take a calculated swing on a wideout in his prime,” wrote Moton.
“The Dolphins can’t roll out a receiver room of backups and rookies and expect Malik Willis to grow as a first-time full-time starter. He needs help in the passing game.
“Nearly three weeks ahead of the draft, Jalen Tolbert, Tutu Atwell and Malik Washington lead the Dolphins’ receiver unit. None of them have caught 50 passes or eclipsed 610 receiving yards in a season.”
Aiyuk hasn’t played since October 2024. So there’s risk in acquiring him on the trade market. He’s also expensive.
But the Dolphins likely only accept a portion of Aiyuk’s full salary and cap hit. Aiyuk would certainly be far more affordable if the 49ers release the wideout.
With their need at receiver, Miami should at least kick around the idea of acquiring Aiyuk.
Dolphins WR Depth Entering 2026
Jeff Hafley Brandon Aiyuk
GettyBleacher Report’s Moe Moton named Jeff Hafley and the Miami Dolphins a potential landing spot for wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.
Aiyuk’s age doesn’t make him an ideal fit for the Dolphins. He turned 28 years old in March. Aiyuk could be 30 by the time Miami is really ready to be competitive again.
But the Dolphins might need to add a wideout more than any other team in the league.
After parting with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, the Dolphins have Tutu Atwell and Jalen Tolbert left as their top two receivers. Miami added each of them in free agency.
Miami’s top incumbent wideout is Malik Washington, who had just 317 receiving yards in 2025.
If the Dolphins could land Aiyuk for a reasonable draft pick, and his contract is affordable after the deal, acquiring him is a no-brainer for Miami. That’s simply the case because the Dolphins absolutely need more talent at wideout.
Aiyuk posted back-to-back 1,000-yard campaigns for San Francisco in 2022 and 2023. During 2023, he had 75 catches, 1,342 receiving yards and seven touchdowns on his way to second-team All-Pro.