Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and the San Francisco 49ers have been headed towards a likely divorce for over a year. The 2026 NFL Draft could be the final weekend Aiyuk is an official member of the 49ers.
It may not be the most likely of resolutions for the wide receiver. But general manager John Lynch didn’t fully rule out an Aiyuk draft day trade, via Matt Barrows of The Athletic.
“At his pre-draft press conference, John Lynch says he doesn’t think there’s a “high probability” the 49ers will trade Brandon Aiyuk this weekend. But he says there’s a chance that happens,” Barrows wrote. “He says there have been discussions with specific teams about a trade.”
While Aiyuk still remains a member of the 49ers, he hasn’t played for the team since 2024. San Francisco voided the guarantees in his 2026 contract, further pointing towards a split. If the team is going to release him, waiting until after June 1 would save the most amount of money. Or, if they can find a taker in a trade, the 49ers would at least get something back in return.
Barring a shocking return to San Francisco, Aiyuk’s tenure with the 49ers will end after five years and 69 games together. The receiver made 294 grabs for 4,305 yards and 25 touchdowns.
The fact Lynch has already talked Aiyuk trade with interested teams is a telling sign. San Francisco may be able to ultimately make a deal rather than be forced to release him. Whether or not that happens during the 2026 NFL Draft is yet to be seen. But eventually, the Aiyuk saga must reach its conclusion.
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