49ers Trade Rumors Swirl Amid Brandon Aiyuk Statement originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
If the San Francisco 49ers wanted to trade Brandon Aiyuk, they missed their window by going completely the other direction.
In the summer of 2024 the receiver was disgruntled about his contract, and the Niners finally gave him permission to seek a trade. The rumors and predictions were rather out of control … until San Francisco kept him with a new four-year, $120 million contract extension.
Now … some buyer’s remorse.
The good vibes faded as in Week 7 Aiyuk suffered a major injury including a torn ACL, MCL and meniscus. He finished only 25 receptions for 374 yards, and after the injury his start to this season remains in limbo.
Seemingly the Niners are committed to Aiyuk, especially after trading Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders – but maybe only because they have no other choice.
Meanwhile, The 2020 first-round pick Aiyuk has taken to social media to laugh at the concept of his name in trade rumors with an announcement detailing the fact he has spent a lot of time on “percocets/muscle relaxers and peeing in a cup.”
In other words, “rehab.”
And we cannot imagine why any team would want to trade for him given that status.
Additionally, our colleague NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo is downplaying any issues going on between San Francisco and Aiyuk.
“Now, I know folks are reading into Brandon Aiyuk’s comments as he makes his way back from an ACL injury,” Garafolo said. “My understanding is Brandon Aiyuk is in a really good space with the team.“
And yet … the rumors won’t stop. Again.
One site is offering up “three landing spots” for Aiyuk in a trade, with the Washington Commanders, the New England Patriots and the Las Vegas Raiders being mentioned.
What doesn’t get mentioned often enough, in addition to Aiyuk’s rehab: That money. Do teams want to take on a limping $120 million receiver? And does San Francisco want to take on all that dead money to say goodbye?
If Aiyuk isn’t ready for Week 1, quarterback Brock Purdy will throw to a combination of Jauan Jennings, Ricky Pearsall, Demarcus Robinson and Jordan Watkins. And, of course, George Kittle. … while we all await some hopefully positive realities for Aiyuk and the Niners.
Related: Niners’ George Kittle Goes Viral After Partying With Taylor Swift
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 30, 2025, where it first appeared.