Latest Brandon Aiyuk trade package proposition would both end the 49ers’ misery and actually get something in return

Everyone is patiently waiting for the 49ers to do something with Brandon Aiyuk, whether it’s a trade or release. The latest proposition from Bleacher Report would be a win for San Francisco in multiple ways.

Evan Winter NFL Managing Editor
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The 49ers and Brandon Aiyuk are heading toward a split, whether it's via trade or release.
Oct 20, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) walks on the field before the start of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

Sometime, some day, the San Francisco 49ers and Brandon Aiyuk will find a way to end their partnership, whether it’s via trade or release.

The team that’s most likely to come in and save the day are the Washington Commanders, due to Aiyuk’s previous relationship with general manager Adam Peters and the fact Jayden Daniels needs reliable help at wide receiver.

Speculation regarding the price to acquire the Aiyuk via trade has been all over the place. As we enter Phase III of the offseason, the price has dropped dramatically. It’s clear teams are very wary of a) Aiyuk’s hefty contract, b) his recent injury history, and c) the whole fallout with the 49ers. Therefore, the situation has entered “wait-and-see” mode and Aiyuk is traded, one has to assume the acquiring team won’t take him in without a re-worked deal.

Still, that won’t stop the chatter. Most recently, Bleacher Report put together a hypothetical trade package that would send Brandon Aiyuk to the Commanders in a trade.

Washington Commanders Receive: WR Brandon Aiyuk, 2027 Round 6 Pick

San Francisco 49ers Receive: 2027 Round 5 Pick

If the parties involved can face those realities, a Washington Commanders team that needs wideout help opposite Terry McLaurin makes sense as a trade partner, especially since Aiyuk played with Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels at Arizona State.

gary davenport

Bleacher Report

This Brandon Aiyuk trade would be a total win for the 49ers

To get a fifth-round pick, even if it takes giving up a sixth, in next year’s draft would be an ideal situation for the 49ers. The best chance John Lynch has when it comes to trading Aiyuk is whenever a team loses a top wideout to a severe injury at some point.

Getting a fifth-rounder would align perfectly with what Kyle Shanahan said during the annual league meeting held last March.

“I don’t have a date for it, but I know eventually it’ll resolve itself,” Shanahan told reporters. “Hopefully, we could get something for [him]. And I know we’re in no rush to do that. You’ve got to do what’s right for the Niners, and you’re not trying to hook up any other team as fast as you possibly can. Hopefully, we can get something for that, and it’ll take care of itself.”

The Aiyuk-49ers relationship is over and I’m sure they’re hoping this kind of deal will eventually come to fruition in order to officially close the door.