Before the start of the current season, the 49ers voided a 2026 option bonus for Brandon Aiyuk. That has fueled speculation a parting of ways will take place after the current campaign. 
Further details have emerged regarding the team’s decision to void Aiyuk’s guarantees. As ESPN’s Fowler writes, the sixth-year receiver declined to attend appointments for his knee rehab during the offseason. That is believed to be among the reasons San Francisco proceeded with voiding Aiyuk’s guarantees, a move he chose not to contest by means of an NFLPA grievance.
Aiyuk’s 2024 campaign ended when he suffered ACL, MCL and meniscus tears. He has yet to play since, despite a number of updates before and during this season pointing to him being cleared at some point. There is still optimism the 27-year-old will be cleared, although that would in turn lead to an interesting question of whether or not Aiyuk would be willing to play given where things stand at this point.
Fowler adds that some teams around the league see an Aiyuk trade as being possible, especially with his contract being easier to move in the absence of guaranteed compensation for next season. The former first-rounder’s deal still runs through 2028, however, so a release allowing him to choose his next destination is still a more realistic outcome. That would leave Aiyuk in the same situation as Christian Wilkins, after the Raiders voided his guarantees and moved forward with a release.
Aiyuk topped 1,000 yards for the first time in 2022. The following season, he set a career high in yards (1,342) and yards per catch (17.9), helping lead the 49ers to the Super Bowl along the way. The process of working out an extension was far from smooth, to say the least, and even with a long-term deal in hand Aiyuk’s future is once again a talking point.
Elsewhere at the receiver position, Matt Barrows of the Athletic writes (subscription required) the 49ers are likelier to retain Kendrick Bourne this offseason than Jauan Jennings. The latter was in the team’s long-term plans as of September, but as a pending free agent he could depart on the open market this spring. Jennings landed a two-year pact in 2024, the season in which he comfortably posted career-best numbers. Things have not been the same in 2025 for the former seventh-rounder.
Bourne’s second San Francisco stint has seen him make seven starts with the team dealing with several injuries. He has posted 482 scoreless yards while serving as an experienced secondary option in the passing game. Retaining Bourne, 30, will likely come at a lesser cost than re-signing Jennings once more. Of course, Aiyuk will play a large role in determining how the team operates at the WR spot once his situation becomes clearer.
Commanders. Patriots. Steelers. Giants.
Solid list, I would add the Raiders since they need someone besides Brock Bowers for whoever their QB & HC are next season. Maybe the Falcons as well to pair someone with London.
I can’t see raiders taking him. And they’re barely known for paying their wideouts which they suffer from
As a Giants fan, major pass. Don’t need that attitude on a rebuilding team. And that’s if he’s actually healthy.
Just last year demanded a 1st.
Ha!
Again, why would the Steelers trade for him?
They gave Pickens away. They waste DK, Jonnu and Muth with this dink and dunk approach that precludes throwing downfield and have Valdez-Scantling festering on the practice squad.
Not a good team by any stretch and really, with Burrow back, the 3rd best team in the AFC North
So many problem areas here, from the top on down, and adding Aiyuk solves none of them
You misspelled Raiders and Browns
lol raiders wouldn’t bite.
I feel like the Steelers are going to rebuild (possibly under a new HC)
I dont see them being super involved with veteran again next offseason.
If he gets cut during the season, then its a different story
Patriots i wouldnt mess with the chemistry and would lean towards just drafting a WR round 1
Commanders and Giants maybe. I just dont think Aiyuk’s talent outweighs the distraction for most “contenders” . Taking a whole year off is a pretty big deal in NFL. Didnt work out too good for Leveon Bell and the Jets
I just see Aiyuk having to settle for best offer from Carolina, Vegas etc
Keep in mind that 9ers are currently a playoff team as he’s pulling this
Would be hard to convince a GM that this is a move that is worth it for a contender next year, seems more like a sideshow to me
Giants have Nabers and rising Wandale with a new young QB they’re in same boat as patriots minus the wins. I don’t see them biting
I’d imagine someone with Aiyuk outlook is messaging his agent and being super picky about where he wants to land. Against his wishes I can see teams like Dolphins Saints Jets taking a wack at him. Maybe
Aiyuk might do well in NY
Which my team?
Going to be a conditional day 3 pick because he had everything torn in knee and has yet to play. Way down from the 1st and multiple picks they were demanding before giving extension.
Maybe he shoulda gone to rehab
Oh wait. Decided to party instead
He loves that Amy Winehouse song.
No one is trading for him.
The guy has averaged over 30 yards a reception against the Bucs so I imagine they would have some interest.
That was before a major knee injury. Not to mention he’s a complete headcase now.
I’d pass on him. all he had to do is go-to appointments , team meetings. he had a good contract. but to seemingly not care something is up with him. I mean I wouldn’t sign him at all . he has talent but he seems more of a distraction for any team. I mean I don’t get y he just stopped caring I mean money alone would ensure players show up where they are supposed to be and yes the team
Imagine being really injured and then being too cool to go to physio.
Manual page 18: How to end your career by 28yrs old
St. Louis Battlehawks might be a fit 😉
Going to be fun in the next few weeks when the Niners open his practice window. Whatever happens will be a plus for the team. They wither get him back or they recoup more money if he no shows.