49ers Insider Says Aiyuk's Future Will Be Determined Upon Return amid NFL Trade Rumors

The San Francisco 49ers could cut ties with wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk depending on his performance following his return during the 2025 season.

According to ESPN's Nick Wagoner, Aiyuk is set to come back from a torn ACL that he suffered in Oct. 2024 at some point during the 49ers' 2025 campaign and "his future in San Francisco will likely be determined by how it goes from there."

The team reportedly was open to moving on from the 27-year-old in March and might revisit his trade market if he struggles to make an impact this season.

Aiyuk signed a four-year, $120 million extension with San Francisco in Aug. 2024 but failed to exceed expectations during the ensuing season prior to suffering the injury.

He hauled in 25 receptions for just 374 yards and failed to find the end zone in seven appearances.

San Francisco will be hoping that Aiyuk can look like his former self once he's healthy, as he caught 153 passes for 2,357 yards and 15 touchdowns across 33 games from 2022-23.

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters on Aug. 11 that the wideout could be ready in time for Week 6 of the 2025 season.

If Aiyuk can't replicate his success prior to signing his hefty contract extension upon his eventual return, a change of scenery could be on the horizon.