Andrew Buller-Russ
The 2026 NFL Draft is rapidly approaching the start of the first round on April 23, and San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch has been busy taking trade calls. That’s nothing new, as Lynch is often negotiating deals, whether its a new contract for Trent Williams, examining the trade cost for other playmakers, or evaluating whether they should trade one of their own.
As the 49ers are preparing for the draft, Lynch took the time to address the local media, where they peppered him with various questions relating to the draft and players who have been the subject of trade rumors all offseason.
When it comes to former second-team All-Pro receiver Brandon Aiyuk, Lynch admitted that he doesn’t feel like there’s a “high probability” that he’ll be traded this week. However he admitted that there’s still a chance the team trades Aiyuk, depending on what teams are willing to offer.
Lynch also added that the 49ers have held trade discussions with specific teams about a potential trade, but of course, he didn’t reveal which teams have registered an interest. The Washington Commanders are the team that’s been linked to Aiyuk the most, and his connection with Jayden Daniels, Aiyuk’s college QB at Arizona State, could help lead to a deal.
For now, Aiyuk is set to enter the second season of a four-year, $120 million contract, where he has a $16.6 million cap hit for 2026. Some feel that’s far too rich for a player who didn’t play a single snap last season. Yet others, including the 49ers, feel like Aiyuk can still be a highly productive player, if he can get and stay healthy.
Related: San Francisco 49ers May Be Ready to Trade Recent Draft Pick
