The San Francisco 49ers find themselves in a familiar and unsettling position as wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk’s name surfaces once again in trade discussions. According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Niners are “open to trading” the injured receiver — a statement that’s triggering déjà vu for many who followed the team’s chaotic 2024 season.
Aiyuk, who suffered a torn ACL early in the season after securing a contract extension, has become a complicated figure in San Francisco. The franchise endured a rollercoaster of negotiations last year, with reports of back-and-forth contract talks, internal disagreements, and strained communication between Aiyuk and head coach Kyle Shanahan. Eventually, both sides reached a deal — but the relationship and investment are now under the microscope.
Despite internal cost-cutting — including departures of Deebo Samuel, Dre Greenlaw, and other key veterans — Aiyuk remains on the books. But time is not on the 49ers’ side. Due to the structure of his contract, April 1 marks a crucial financial deadline: if Aiyuk remains on the roster past that date, an additional $4 million in 2025 becomes guaranteed, and his entire $26 million salary for 2026 becomes fully guaranteed. That’s a potential $30 million cap hit looming over a team looking to reshape its roster.
Complicating matters further, Aiyuk cannot be released due to his injury status — he was hurt on the field, making the release legally and contractually off the table.
Last season, the Patriots, Browns, and Steelers showed interest in acquiring Aiyuk. But the landscape has since shifted: the Steelers have traded for DK Metcalf, the Patriots signed Stefon Diggs, and the Browns are unlikely to pursue another high-profile receiver given their current roster construction.
Unless a surprise team steps in, it’s likely Aiyuk remains with the 49ers. The team may have to wait for his ACL recovery to play out and move forward with him into the 2025 season.
The team’s financial calendar further complicates the picture. April 1 is a major trigger date across several key contracts, including stars like Nick Bosa and George Kittle. For Brandon Aiyuk, however, that date could determine whether the team must fully commit to him long-term or find a trade partner willing to take on significant financial risk for an injured player.
With less than a week to go, the clock is ticking loudly in San Francisco.