Brandon Aiyuk future comes into focus with five landing spots emerging after his apparent final run with the 49ers
Talented wide receiver is likely to get cut.
Brandon Aiyuk won’t be a part of the San Francisco 49ers for much longer. After six seasons, general manager John Lynch admitted that the talented wide receiver has already played his last down as a Niner, and head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed that their relationship is past the point of return.
“I would say the last time it stopped for me was when I tried to get a hold of him and couldn’t,” Shanahan said. “Tried a couple more times and couldn’t. And that matched everyone else who tried to get a hold of him and couldn’t. There’s not much of an explanation because it’s hard for us and anyone else to understand. That’s why it’s something I’ve never seen in 22 years of coaching.”
The 49ers were able to void future guarantees on Aiyuk’s contract, so a release is the most likely scenario — but a trade isn’t out of the equation. Anyhow, Aiyuk will soon be on another roster.
5 landing spots for Brandon Aiyuk
Buffalo Bills
The Bills had to rely on players like Brandin Cooks and Mecole Hardman down the stretch, and that’s one of the main reasons why things didn’t happen like expected in the playoffs. Josh Allen deserves to have more high-end weapons, and that’s a good spot for a player trying to rebuild his value.
Washington Commanders
When Aiyuk first requested a trade from the 49ers, the Commanders were already a logical landing spot. The GM there is former 49ers executive Adam Peters, who helped draft Aiyuk in the first place, and the team needs a top outside weapon opposite Terry McLaurin for Jayden Daniels. After all, it’s time to maximize the last cheap year of Daniels’ rookie deal. The Commanders are projected to have $63 million in cap space, so there’s more than enough room to make a risky investment.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers traded for DK Metcalf last offseason, but moved on from George Pickens. Therefore, the lack of a real WR2 was a frequent problem for Aaron Rodgers and the offense. The Steelers almost traded for Aiyuk two years ago before he signed a last-minute extension with San Francisco.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens seem to always be looking for new weapons for Lamar Jackson, but a young player with elite potential is harder to find. General manager Eric DeCosta likes to play the compensatory pick game, so being able to sign Aiyuk after he’s released from the 49ers would be perfectly on brand for the franchise.
New England Patriots
Another team trying to add weapons and make the most out of a talented quarterback’s rookie contract. In this case, the Patriots added Stefon Diggs last year, and that has worked pretty well for Drake Maye. So, why not double down on the premise with a younger option? New England has a comfortable cap situation to do so.
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