It is unlikely that the San Francisco 49ers will bring back veteran wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. 49ers GM John Lynch previously stated this offseason that the former All-Pro has played his final snap with the team. While he has not been traded or released yet, things appear to be headed in that direction.
There may be at least one potential suitor for the former first-round pick. According to ESPN insider John Keim, the Washington Commanders are unlikely to trade for Aiyuk if that's what it takes to acquire him. However, the team could be interested in signing him as a free agent.
The San Francisco 49ers Need to Move Forward Without Brandon Aiyuk
While Aiyuk appeared to be a promising draft choice a couple of years ago, things haven't panned out in that direction. Despite recording multiple 1,000-yard seasons, including a 1,342-yard season in 2023, the 28-year-old has battled multiple major injuries over the last couple of seasons. In fact, he played in just seven games in 2024 before missing the entire 2025 season.
After signing him to a four-year extension worth $120 million two years ago, it is clear that San Francisco missed the mark on this. Between injuries and contract disputes, Lynch and Co. likely need to decide to part ways with the former Arizona State star. Furthermore, he won't get enough targets with the likes of Mike Evans and Christian Kirk now in town.
49ers fans also could be excited about the team possessing six picks inside the first four rounds of the NFL Draft. While the potential loss of Aiyuk could be tough, the Niners have a great chance to replace him with a younger, healthier player.
Before Aiyuk headed to the NFL in 2020, he was teammates with then-freshman quarterback Jayden Daniels at Arizona State in 2019. That season, Aiyuk recorded 65 receptions for 1,192 yards and eight touchdowns. A major reason why he was a first-round pick by San Francisco was the connection in Tempe with Daniels.
With free-agent pass-catcher Deebo Samuel, who spent 2025 with the Commanders, now a free agent, Washington needs a wide receiver. This is where Aiyuk could come in, potentially, on a one-year deal where he'd have to prove his worth. His previous connection with Daniels could help the Commanders' offense get back to its 2024 ways. During that season, they were a top-five scoring offense and ended up reaching the NFC Championship game.
At Daniel's disposal could be Pro Bowl wide receiver Terry McLaurin, running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, and Aiyuk. With a healthy Daniels under center, the sky could be the limit for this team in an NFC East that is wide open.
While losing Aiyuk could be a tough pill to swallow for the 49ers from a talent perspective, they could replace him in several ways that would each end up being financially beneficial.