During the 2024 offseason, the San Francisco 49ers' biggest storyline was star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk's holdout. Aiyuk missed the entire offseason workout program (OTAs, mandatory minicamp and training camp) because the two sides were unable to reach an agreement on a new deal. San Francisco was, however, able to finalize a four-year, $120 million deal with the 27-year-old after training camp and the preseason ended.
That said, due to Aiyuk not participating in the offseason, he started the season slow and then suffered a torn ACL in the middle of their week 7 game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Given these circumstances, he has no reason to upset with the 49ers, yet it seems he is.
Last week, Aiyuk posted a controversial image of Hall of Famer Terrell Owens working out in his driveway on his Instagram story. As a result of this post, people are theorizing that Aiyuk is once again looking for a way out of San Francisco.
If this is the case, the 49ers could have the perfect trade partner for Aiyuk. In a recent YouTube video, Chase Senior of Chat Sports discussed the possibility of trading for disgruntled Washington Commanders receiver Terry McLaurin.
TRENDING: Could the 49ers TRADE Brandon Aiyuk to the Commanders for Terry McLaurin in a wide receiver swap?
— Chase Senior (@Chase_Senior) June 9, 2025
Here’s why it COULD happen and why a trade could make sense…
🏈 Aiyuk is unhappy with the Niners
🏈 McLaurin is unhappy with the Commanders
🏈 Aiyuk is best friends with… pic.twitter.com/kjYgg6dz6z
49ers Land Terry McLaurin in Proposed Brandon Aiyuk Trade
McLaurin sat out the Commanders' voluntary OTAs and will not be attending mandatory minicamp because he is unhappy with his contract situation, according to Dianna Russini. The 30-year-old receiver has recorded fewer than 1,000 receiving yards only once in seven NFL seasons, which was his rookie year.
Furthermore, Chase Senior mentioned three important factors on why this trade is a possibility. For starters, Jayden Daniels and Aiyuk played together at Arizona State and are still close friends. While friendships don't usually matter in the NFL, we did see Davante Adams get traded to the Las Vegas Raiders because of his relationship with Derek Carr.
In addition to his friendship with Daniels, he is still close to Deebo Samuel, whom the Commanders acquired earlier this offseason. The most important factor in this potential trade is that the current Commanders' general manager, Adam Peters, was part of the 49ers front office that drafted Aiyuk.
That means Peters understands what an organization needs to do to get the best out of him. Moreover, sending Aiyuk to the Commanders will mean much less drama for the 49ers. This could end up raising the morale in the locker room. McLaurin would also add another leader to the locker room.
With that being said, if John Lynch has yet to call Washington about this potential trade, he needs to get on that as soon as possible.