Sportsnaut
Despite agreeing to a huge new long-term contract a year ago, a new report claims Brandon Aiyuk’s days with the San Francisco 49ers will come to an end following the 2025 NFL season.
In the spring and summer of 2024, trading Aiyuk out of San Francisco was looking like a real possibility. However, cooler heads eventually prevailed, and the talented wide receiver got the four-year, $120 million contract he coveted. Unfortunately, he did not get to make the most out of year one in the deal after suffering an ACL and MCL tear a few weeks into the season.
Heading into this year, the hope was that Aiyuk would be back in uniform by midseason. Well, it’s Week 12, and he doesn’t seem close to a return. The reason has nothing to do with his surgically repaired knee and is another breakdown in the relationship between the WR and the 49ers, according to The Athletic.
Aiyuk allegedly has not met his team obligations this season, and they voided the guaranteed money on his deal. Meaning, a release after the season is expected. So, where could the gifted receiver land in 2026 following his major knee injury? We look at five potential options.
The Buffalo Bills reportedly tried to trade for stud Miami Dolphins receiver Jaylen Waddle before the trade deadline. That, along with their recent struggles on offense, proves they badly need a true WR1. Assuming Aiyuk can return to the player he was in 2023, he would be a huge addition and finally give Josh Allen the proven go-to target he’s missed since Stefon Diggs left.
It is unclear who will be the Cleveland Browns‘ starting QB in 2026. It could be Deshaun Watson. One of the two rookies they drafted this year, or another first-time QB that they select in April. Either way, they need more impact targets to throw to. Cleveland was one of the teams that made a strong push for Aiyuk a year ago, and it makes sense that they will again when he hits free agency.
The New York Giants were reportedly another team that looked into trading for Waddle before the deadline. It was a desperate attempt to try and salvage their season after losing Malik Nabers for the season. Nevertheless, they are surely going forward with Jaxson Dart as their starting long-term and he needs all the help he can get. While there is risk in going with two WRs coming off major knee injuries, when healthy, the pair could be one of the best receiver duos in the NFC.
The Houston Texans have turned into a sleeper team in the AFC this season due to their outstanding defense. But would anyone be surprised if they come up short in the playoffs because of the failings of their offense? CJ Stroud really needs better weapons in the passing game. Targeting Aiyuk in free agency seems very likely in the...
