Would the San Francisco 49ers really trade wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk after already sending Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders? After all, the team signed Aiyuk to a massive contract extension just last year, and the ACL and MCL injuries he suffered in October have only diminished his value.
However, Pro Football Focus (PFF) contributor Bradley Locker believes Aiyuk is the 49ers' best-remaining trade asset ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. Recent trade rumors surrounding the veteran wideout—combined with a report that the 49ers have buyer's remorse over that contract extension—have fueled speculation about a potential deal.
General manager John Lynch didn't dismiss trade rumors when speaking to reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine last month. He simply said, "You get calls, and you always listen to calls."
And the way this offseason has developed, nothing would surprise fans at this point.
The 49ers' offseason strategy is clear. They've allowed several players to leave in free agency and released a few key contributors, preparing to absorb the cost of quarterback Brock Purdy's looming extension while considering potential new deals for linebacker Fred Warner and tight end George Kittle down the road.
The team is focused on reducing cash spending, so it may not matter that trading Aiyuk would carry significant salary cap ramifications. He's due a substantial payment on April 1, which could motivate the 49ers to explore options.
"San Francisco has retooled its roster going into 2025, moving on from Deebo Samuel, Charvarius Ward, Dre Greenlaw, Javon Hargrave and others," Locker wrote. "On the surface, it wouldn't seem like the same applies to Aiyuk, but there's more than meets the eye.
"Aiyuk was involved in trade scenarios for nearly four months last summer before agreeing to a four-year, $120 million extension with the 49ers. Still, he turned in a career-low 74.1 PFF receiving grade before tearing his ACL in Week 7.
"Reports have resurfaced about the team wanting to trade Aiyuk, especially before $31 million is guaranteed on April 1. That gives credence to the idea that a swap could happen after nearly a year of build-up."
The big question is what the 49ers could get in return. Teams likely won't be eager to surrender much for a receiver coming off a serious injury and carrying a hefty cap hit. If the 49ers decide to avoid the looming guarantee, a late Day 2 or Day 3 pick might be all they can expect—far less than the value they could have received if Aiyuk had been traded last year.
