Despite signing a massive extension one year ago, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has been the subject of trade rumors throughout the offseason. Set to carry a reasonable $9.9 million cap hit next year, that number jumps to a staggering $41.49 million in 2027 – right around the time franchise quarterback Brock Purdy becomes expensive. After nearing winning it all with Purdy on a cheap deal, the former seventh-round pick signed a five-year, $265 million contract during the offseason.
With Purdy now earning franchise quarterback money, the 49ers can no longer afford to spend up on every homegrown star. While they already sent Deebo Samuel to the San Francisco 49ers, some reports indicated they could trade Brandon Aiyuk if the right offer came along. Aiyuk himself recently addressed these rumors in a post on his YouTube channel.
“They was talking bout trading me while I was off percocets/muscle relaxers and peeing in a cup by my bed,” Aiyuk wrote. “Couldn’t walk for 10 weeks ain’t nobody trading for me.”
Brandon Aiyuk Addresses Trade Rumors In Latest Post
Aiyuk’s first season on his massive deal did not go according to plan, as he recorded just 25 receptions for 374 yards and no touchdowns through seven games before tearing his ACL in October. It makes sense that teams wouldn’t trade for an injured Brandon Aiyuk, but he could draw interest once he’s healthy. Assuming he’s back to full strength by the trade deadline, don’t be surprised if the following teams make a move for the former first-round pick.
Possible Fits
Los Angeles Chargers
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh wants to win games with a strong run game and dominant play in the trenches, which is why he spent big on guard Mekhi Becton and selected running back Omarion Hampton in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. This will likely be enough to put the Chargers in the playoffs, but they’ll need a better passing attack to emerge atop a loaded AFC. Ladd McConkey is a great young receiver, and pairing him with someone like Brandon Aiyuk in a trade should give Justin Herbert all the firepower he needs to go blow-for-blow with any offense.
Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen is a fantastic quarterback who just won MVP with Khalil Shakir as his top wide receiver. The Bills have their franchise quarterback, but they must do more to finally take down the Kansas City Chiefs and the rest of the AFC. A Brandon Aiyuk trade would give this team a much-needed leader in the receiver room, albeit they will struggle to make the money work.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver room is one of the most fascinating in football. On the one hand, the organization could be in good hands if Rashee Rice stays healthy and Xavier Worthy makes a Year 2 leap. On the other, if Rice struggles to return to form or Worthy remains inconsistent, then they could use another set of hands. A midseason trade for Brandon Aiyuk could make all the sense in the world for a team like Kansas City, as they spend the first month or two of the season evaluating their homegrown receivers.
Main Photo: Cary Edmondson – Imagn Images
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