The San Francisco 49ers appear to be open to trading Brandon Aiyuk, but they may only have until Tuesday to find a suitor.
Aiyuk signed a 4-year, $120 million contract extension with the 49ers prior to the 2024 season. He has a nearly $23 million bonus that is due on April 1.
As ESPN’s Adam Schefter noted on Sunday, a potential Aiyuk trade would be off the table once the 27-year-old receives his bonus.
Brandon Aiyuk during warmups
Sep 26, 2021; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) walks on the field before the game against the Green Bay Packers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
49ers owe WR Brandon Aiyuk a $22.85 million bonus if he’s on their roster Tuesday, April 1. Once the 49ers pay that bonus, any trade talks for Aiyuk would be off, and he would be expected to spend the 2025 season in San Francisco. So Tuesday looms as Aiyuk’s unofficial trade… pic.twitter.com/spfecSg4Qi
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 30, 2025
Aiyuk is also working his way back from a severe knee injury, which complicates things further. There is a chance he may not be ready come Week 1 next season.
A former first-round pick, Aiyuk had his best season in 2023 with 75 catches for 1,342 yards and 7 touchdowns. He then had just 25 catches in 7 games last year before suffering a torn ACL. Aiyuk held out for much of last offseason while he was seeking his new contract, which may have been a factor in his slow start.
The 49ers already made a significant change to their offense when they traded Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders. Some people in the organization reportedly regret giving Aiyuk a huge extension, but it sounds like San Francisco is stuck with the receiver for the foreseeable future.