The San Francisco 49ers roster has undergone a significant overhaul this offseason, with the team cutting ties with multiple starters and fan favorites. It’s been followed up by NFL rumors that All-Pro wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk could be on the move.
Aiyuk, age 27, was a highly coveted trade target a year ago. San Francisco considered trade trade options for the All-Pro wideout when contract talks weren’t going well. Ultimately, instead of trading him to the Pittsburgh Steleers, the 49ers signed him to an extension that made him one of the highest-paid NFL players at his spot.
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- Brandon Aiyuk stats (ESPN): 294 receptions, 4,305 receiving yards, 25 touchdowns, 14.6 yards per reception, 207 first downs on 446 targets in 69 games
The results were disastrous. Aiyuk suffered both an ACL and MCL tear in Week 7, requiring season-ending surgery and clouding his availability for training camp this offseason. Days after San Francisco traded receiver Deebo Samuel, Aiyuk’s name was still floating around in NFL rumors.
However, according to Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports, San Francisco is unlikely to find a deal for Aiyuk because of his contract and concerns about his recovery from the ACL injury.
“”Sources indicate that the 49ers are open to trading Aiyuk — a terrific player who will certainly be motivated — and there has been communication with several teams. However, trading for Aiyuk’s contract coming off an ACL injury is a tall order, and most believe it is unlikely.”
Jordan Schultz on the likelihood of the San Francisco 49ers trading Brandon Aiyuk
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- Brandon Aiyuk contract (Spotrac): $10.749 million cap hit in 2025, $16.223 million cap hit in 2026, $42.282 million cap hit in 2027, $44.158 million cap hit in 2028
One thing immediately hurting the 49ers’ odds of moving him is how this situation looks. Less than a year after giving Aiyuk a $120 million extension, San Francisco already wants to move on from him. It can also be concerning from the outside to see the club’s desire to make a move, given it has the most extensive knowledge on Aiyuk’s recovery from ACL surgery and how he might look upon his return.
If Aiyuk is on the 49ers roster on April 1, when his $23 million guaranteed bonus goes into effect, San Francisco will find it even more challenging to move him. Because of all those factors, he’ll likely be spending the 2025 season with the 49ers.
