New Report Shows Brandon Aiyuk Trade Possibility is Very Real for 49ers

The 49ers have reportedly engaged in trade conversations with multiple teams regarding star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.
Sep 29, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) warms up before the game against the New England Patriots at Levi's Stadium.
Sep 29, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) warms up before the game against the New England Patriots at Levi's Stadium. | Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

Even though the San Francisco 49ers traded away veteran wide receiver Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders in late February, it has not stopped teams from inquiring about the availability of Brandon Aiyuk.

The former first-round pick has seen his name pop up in trade rumors for several weeks, as he’s scheduled to receive a $22.855 million roster bonus on April 1. Aiyuk is coming off a tough knee injury last season that saw him suffer a torn ACL and MCL.Β 

However, despite that injury and his impending roster bonus, teams are still trying to see what it would take to acquire him.Β 

On Wednesday, Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports reported that the 49ers have engaged in trade conversations regarding the veteran wideout with multiple teams. However, the belief is that it's unlikely that a deal will get done before the roster guarantee on April 1.

Earlier this week, Dianna Russini of The Athletic said on The Scoop City Podcast that San Fran probably wants to move Aiyuk because of finances.

Before the 49ers signed Aiyuk to his four-year, $120 million contract extension last season, he received interest from the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns. As we saw, those talks did not go far as the two sides were able to figure something out.

That said, the fact that the 49ers are still reportedly engaged in trade talks tells us that a move could still happen. If San Francisco moved on from Aiyuk, second-year receiver Ricky Pearsall and vet Jauan Jennings would be the top-two receiving options. The 2025 draft class is also littered with intriguing WRs who could possibly make a huge impact at a much smaller price tag than a veteran such as Aiyuk.

Before Aiyuk suffered the season-ending knee injury last season, he had already gotten off to a slow start. The former Arizona State standout had 25 receptions (47 targets) for 374 yards and zero touchdowns in seven games. Nonetheless, we’ll see if the 49ers can move Aiyuk after his roster bonus guarantees or if they decide to keep him for another year.

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