49ers Rumors: Teams 'Poking Around' on Brandon Aiyuk Trade Amid Deebo Samuel Buzz

Deebo Samuel Sr. isn't the only San Francisco 49erss wide receiver garnering trade interest this offseason.

The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported Tuesday on her Scoop City podcast that teams were looking at Brandon Aiyuk before he signed a $120 million extension with the Niners. That's the case once again heading into this spring.

"There are some teams poking around now to see if the 49ers would be willing to deal [Aiyuk]," she said.

Pressed by co-host Chase Daniel as to why San Francisco would move the 26-year-old pass-catcher, Russini said finances could play a big role. The team has some big contracts on the books before accounting for how much it will cost to re-sign quarterback Brock Purdy.

The NFL insider also suggested an Aiyuk trade could reflect a lot of internal confidence in Ricky Pearsall, who caught 31 passes for 400 yards and three touchdowns in 11 games as a rookie.

Of course, the Niners may not be all that receptive to any overtures for Aiyuk, which would make the whole thing moot.

San Francisco is working with Samuel to explore any trade avenues he might have, and it's hard to envision a scenario where the team parts with both of its two best receivers.

For rival teams, the renewed interest in Aiyuk could reflect a sense the cost to acquire him is less now compared to last year. He was limited to seven appearances in 2024 because of a torn ACL and MCL, and his production before getting hurt (25 receptions for 374 yards) was below the standard he had set in 2023.

The worst thing the 49ers can do is say no, so it makes sense to see what kind of price—if any—they're prepared to accept for Aiyuk.