The San Francisco 49ers committed to Brandon Aiyuk with a massive extension in 2024, but recent comments by General Manager John Lynch suggest the team could trade him during the offseason. A first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Aiyuk signed his extension following a breakout season where he recorded 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns on 105 targets while earning Second-Team All-Pro honors. Unfortunately, he couldn’t maintain that success in 2024, as he recorded just 25 receptions for 374 yards and no touchdowns while injuries limited him to seven games.
With a Brock Purdy contract extension looming, reports across the league indicated teams were calling the 49ers about a potential Brandon Aiyuk trade. When asked about these rumors, Lynch all but confirmed he’s listening to offers to free up money and build a younger roster.
“You get calls and you always listen to calls. Since Kyle [Shanahan] and I have been here, we’ve been the No. 2 cash-spending team. In the last four years, we’re the fourth-highest cash-spending team. So at some point, you have to reset a little bit…We need to get younger. I think we’re the oldest team in football after trying to make a run last year.”
49ers Willing to Trade Brandon Aiyuk – 5 Best Fits Emerge
Possible Fits
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers nearly completed a trade for Brandon Aiyuk last year, so now it’s time for them to finally acquire the 49ers star wideout. Whether it’s Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, or a new veteran under center, 2025’s starting quarterback will need more help to guide this team on a deep playoff run. Mike Tomlin is good enough to get a defensive-minded team to the playoffs, but he’ll need a strong offense to get his first playoff win in nearly a decade. With no clear path to an elite quarterback, the Steelers must surround their average starter with as much high-level talent as possible.
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots have the most important part of any rebuild in franchise quarterback Drake Maye. Unfortunately for them, the rest of the roster is a disaster. With too many holes to possibly address in one offseason, New England must prioritize their needs and create an environment that can support Maye. Brandon Aiyuk would easily be the best receiver on this roster, and the Patriots have the cap space to make this trade with the 49ers and still address the offensive line.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers have a budding star in former second-round pick Ladd McConkey. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Quentin Johnston, as the former first-round pick had an up-and-down sophomore season and is better off in a depth role. Head coach Jim Harbaugh wants to win on the ground, but pairing Aiyuk with McConkey and quarterback Justin Herbert could give this team the offensive firepower needed to compete with the league’s elite units.
Washington Commanders
Washington is well ahead of schedule in their rebuild, making it to the NFC Championship in the first year with quarterback Jayden Daniels and head coach Dan Quinn. Now armed with over $82.2 million in cap space, the sky is the limit for this team. Brandon Aiyuk reportedly wanted to play with Jayden Daniels at this point last year, so it might be time for the 49ers to make that wish come through with a trade. Assuming Aiyuk’s 2024 was just an injury-plagued fluke, he and Terry McLaurin can form one of the league’s most dangerous passing attacks.
Kansas City Chiefs
This one depends on what happens with wide receiver Rashee Rice. After missing most of the 2024 season, the former second-round pick might face a suspension stemming from his involvement in an offseason car crash. If he misses most or all of the season, the Chiefs could call the 49ers and attempt to trade for Brandon Aiyuk. First-round pick Xavier Worthy showed some promise as a rookie, but Aiyuk can bring a much-needed veteran presence to this team, and he’s still in the prime of his career, unlike impending free agent DeAndre Hopkins.
Main Photo: Cary Edmonton – Imagn Images
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