Brandon Aiyuk trade rumors are not slowing down, and the San Francisco 49ers have nearly 23 million reasons to send him to a new team before the start of April. According to Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports, Aiyuk’s contract contains a guaranteed option bonus of nearly $23 million that triggers on April 1st. Needless to say, trading Aiyuk after making that type of financial commitment will be next to impossible, so if a move is going to happen, it will probably occur in the coming days.
While Schultz admits a Brandon Aiyuk trade isn’t likely, the NFL insider reports the wide receiver is “up for grabs” and the 49ers will entertain trade offers. San Francisco probably could have received a first-round pick for his services last year, but they won’t get that now that he’s on a major contract and is returning from an ACL injury. However, the 49ers need to clear cap space for Brock Purdy’s inevitable extension and the following teams could buy low on the former Second-Team All-Pro.
5 Teams That Could Trade For 49ers Brandon Aiyuk
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers have not done enough to improve their wide receiver room. While the offense should welcome the additions of Mekhi Becton, Andre James, and Najee Harris, this team needs more pass-catching talent to compete with the AFC’s collection of elite offensive talent. Second-round pick Ladd McConkey is the real deal, but Quentin Johnston is better in a small role and Mike Williams looked like a shell of himself last year. Assuming he returns to form, a Brandon Aiyuk trade would give the Chargers all the offensive firepower they need for a deep playoff run.
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots signed Stefon Diggs to a massive contract, but that shouldn’t stop them from pursuing a Brandon Aiyuk trade. Diggs is coming off a season-ending knee injury of his own and, on the wrong side of 30, probably won’t recapture his former glory. While Aiyuk is returning from an injury of his own, he’s younger and has higher odds of returning to an elite player. Perhaps the 49ers would entertain trading Aiyuk for Kendrick Bourne and a mid-round pick.
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys have one of the game’s best receivers in CeeDee Lamb and not much else. Quarterback Dak Prescott is an above-average starter, but he can’t carry a flawed roster by himself. Prescott historically thrives when he has two reliable receivers, and a Brandon Aiyuk trade could give him the tools needed to compete in a competitive NFC East.
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers have a trio of promising but unproven receiving options in Xavier Legette, Jalen Coker, and tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders. What they still need, however, is a proven veteran with a high ceiling. Adam Thielen will return for another season, but the former Viking is much closer to the end of his career than the beginning. Brandon Aiyuk will ensure Bryce Young has at least one reliable receiver for the future and could give the Panthers one of the league’s deepest supporting casts if Legette, Coker, and Sanders continue to grow in 2025.
Tennessee Titans
All signs point towards Miami’s Cam Ward being the first-overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, which means the Titans must do something to support the young quarterback. Calvin Ridley is a solid veteran, but a Brandon Aiyuk trade would give this team more security when supporting their young quarterback. Head coach Brian Callahan will probably lose his job if he can’t turn the team around, so going after a proven veteran at the expense of a draft pick makes all the sense in the world.
Main Photo: Cary Edmondson – Imagn Images
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