Brandon Aiyuk might be a wanted man, just not by the San Francisco 49ers.
Aiyuk, who is recovering for a torn ACL last season, signed a four-year, $120 million contract with the team which places him among the league's best paid receivers. There are rumblings out of Santa Clara the team is looking to shop the once speedy receiver. He comes with significant trade value, when healthy.
According to Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports, the 49ers are willing to part with Aiyuk and have had "communication with several teams." This follows a report from earlier this month that several teams were inquiring about Aiyuk's availability to 49ers general manager John Lynch.
The 49ers have already traded their other top wide receiver, Deebo Samuel, to the Washington Commanders for a fifth-round pick. Samuel wanted out of San Francisco and the feeling was rather mutual.
Aiyuk has not demanded a trade, nor has he mentioned any discontent in the city by the bay. The 49ers would like to unload Aiyuk's heavy contract and free up salary space that has to go to quarterback Brock Purdy's contract extension.
The 49ers will look to replace Aiyuk with a cheaper receiver who is preferably still on a rookie contract.
Related: 49ers' Deebo Samuel Trade Left Fans in Disbelief
San Francisco has Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall at the receiver position under rookie contracts, but neither has proven much at the NFL level. Pearsall was shot last offseason and recovered completely early in the season. He finished with only 31 receptions.
San Francisco also has Demarcus Robinson and 2024 fourth-round pick Jacob Cowing, veteran Russell Gage and free-agent addition Isaiah Hodgins. However, they will be a stretch to make the team. Cowing and Hodgins might be safe, but the rest could be training camp casualties.
Related: 49ers 'Not Happy' With Steelers Offer For Star Wide Receiver Brandon Aiyuk
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This story was originally published March 27, 2025 at 9:21 AM.