Updated Landing Spots for Brandon Aiyuk if 49ers Trade or Release Star WR

The San Francisco 49ers aren't in a rush to move Brandon Aiyuk, and they're willing to be patient in hopes that a trade partner will offer something for him. The team shouldn't expect much, but he may be too talented to be released outright. 

In reference to Aiyuk, 49ers general manager John Lynch said, "It's safe to say he's played his last snap as a Niner," at the end of the 2025 campaign. 

Lynch's statement didn't come as a surprise. Aiyuk tore his ACL and MCL midway through the 2024 campaign. He then went through a gradual rehab process complicated by his lack of cooperation and communication with the club. 

According to ESPN's Nick Wagoner, Aiyuk "skipped multiple rehab sessions." Head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters that the team couldn't reach him during his recovery.

It's hard to believe the 49ers could trust the 28-year-old and mend fences with him after that sequence of events. Remember, San Francisco voided guaranteed money in the four-year, $120 million deal he signed during the 2024 offseason.

In all likelihood, he will play for a new team in the upcoming season, though there's one person in the 49ers' organization who thinks he could continue to play for the team.

Is Aiyuk done in San Francisco? And if so, what's the best change of scenery for him? 

Let's discuss the possibility of his return to the 49ers and five landing spots for the receiver.

Could Brandon Aiyuk Remain with the 49ers?

AP Photo/Scot Tucker

Brandon Aiyuk, left, and 49ers GM John Lynch

Speaking to reporters, 49ers owner Jed York wasn't quick to write off Aiyuk in San Francisco, though he did acknowledge the possibility of a trade.

"BA's a talented guy," York said. "Would love to be able to bring him back into the fold, and if not, I think he's a valuable asset that other people would want, and we're going to make sure that we get value and we bring talent into our building."

That said, York also conceded he's unclear about Aiyuk's recovery status due to a lack of communication, which circles back to the receiver's issue with the team last year.

In January, Lynch was candid about where the team's relationship with the disgruntled receiver is headed in 2026. York may be trying to help Aiyuk's trade value by leaving the door open for the wideout's return, though it's highly unlikely to pan out that way.

Potential trade suitors may have questions about how Aiyuk fits into a new program after a period in which 49ers team officials were unable to connect with him during his recovery.

If the two sides can at least improve communication, it could help reassure interested teams about how the seventh-year pro would integrate at his next stop, though it still seems unlikely he returns in a 49ers uniform.

San Francisco will likely trade Aiyuk for a late-round pick before training camp.

Cleveland Browns

AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper

Jerry Jeudy

At the low price of a late-round pick, the Cleveland Browns may be interested in Aiyuk, who would arguably be their best receiver. 

Entering the draft, Jerry Jeudy is atop the Browns' receiver depth chart. He's eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards once in six seasons, his first year in Cleveland. Aiyuk accomplished that feat in back-to-back campaigns in 2022 and 2023 before tearing multiple ligaments in his knee during the 2024 season.

If Aiyuk bounces back into pre-injury form, the Browns would have a dynamic receiver who can lead their passing attack with big plays. He averaged at least 15 yards per catch in the previous two seasons. 

Cleveland will likely take a wideout early in the upcoming draft, though it would help whoever starts at quarterback tremendously to acquire a talented veteran who's ready to contribute right away. 

Of course, the Browns would need to do their homework on Aiyuk's rehab process before they strike a deal. He would also have to pass a team physical, which was an issue with signing defensive end A.J. Epenesa.

Miami Dolphins

AP Photo/Jim Rassol

Malik Willis

The rebuilding Miami Dolphins may be wary of investing in a receiver who has experienced recent friction with his current team. On the other hand, they have 11 draft picks, which gives them flexibility to take a calculated swing on a wideout in his prime.

The Dolphins can't roll out a receiver room of backups and rookies and expect Malik Willis to grow as a first-time full-time starter. He needs help in the passing game.

Nearly three weeks ahead of the draft, Jalen Tolbert, Tutu Atwell and Malik Washington lead the Dolphins' receiver unit. None of them have caught 50 passes or eclipsed 610 receiving yards in a season.

Aiyuk would be the clear-cut No. 1 option in Miami's aerial attack. Also working in his favor, he's familiar with offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, who was the 49ers' passing game specialist and coordinator from 2021 to 2022. In the latter year, Aiyuk recorded career highs in catches (78) and touchdown receptions (eight). 

If anyone can help Aiyuk get back on the right track as one of the league's ascending receivers, it's Slowik.

New Orleans Saints

AP Photo/Brynn Anderson

Tyler Shough

The New Orleans Saints may have their franchise quarterback in Tyler Shough. Now, they must build around him. 

The Saints signed running back Travis Etienne Jr. to balance their offense with the ground attack, but they still need a solid No. 2 wide receiver.

Although Keenan Allen may be a more appealing receiver acquisition because of his familiarity with head coach Kellen Moore from their time with the Los Angeles Chargers, Aiyuk could be the splash pickup who brings more juice to the Saints' passing attack.

Chris Olave and Aiyuk can work well together, with the latter posing a consistent deep-downfield threat, which would allow Moore to open up the playbook. Shough could also show off his arm strength and accuracy.

With Olave and Aiyuk on the outside, Devaughn Vele can work primarily out of the slot as a possession receiver to round out a solid three-receiver set.

Tennessee Titans

AP Photo/Stew Milne

Cam Ward

Tennessee Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi shouldn't be opposed to exchanging late-round draft picks for an established pass-catcher.

Last year, the Titans fielded one of the league's worst receiver units, which featured fourth-rounders Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike after Calvin Ridley broke his fibula in Week 11.

Yes, the Titans signed Wan'Dale Robinson, but they have two sixth-rounders, a seventh-rounder and more than $63 million in cap space. Tennessee can absorb Aiyuk's non-guaranteed deal. If it doesn't work out, the club can cut him and wipe his contract completely off its books.

Tennessee will likely use an early-round draft pick on a receiver. Yet second-year quarterback Cam Ward probably wouldn't complain about the addition of another veteran wideout after Ridley finished with an 11.1 percent drop rate last season. 

Washington Commanders

AP Photo/Abbie Parr

Jayden Daniels

The Washington Commanders are the most logical match for Aiyuk, who played with Jayden Daniels at Arizona State in 2019. That year, with Daniels under center, Aiyuk led the Sun Devils with 65 receptions for 1,192 yards and eight touchdowns.

Even though Aiyuk had the same number of touchdown receptions as then-teammate Frank Darby that year, he was clearly Daniels' go-to target in Arizona State's offense.

Daniels and Aiyuk can rekindle their rapport at a time when the Commanders need a reliable playmaker to complement two-time Pro Bowler Terry McLaurin.

A mature receiver who went through a contract standoff with the Commanders last offseason, McLaurin can guide Aiyuk in his transition to a new club following his conflict with the 49ers. 

With a former teammate and an upstanding veteran who plays his position on the Commanders roster, Aiyuk would have the support and structure around him to be a productive, premier receiver in Washington.

Maurice Moton covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @MoeMoton.