Brandon Aiyuk's future with the San Francisco 49ers could become clearer within the next week. The star receiver is due a significant roster bonus on April 1, and the 49ers have prioritized limiting cash spending this offseason as they prepare for a significant financial commitment to quarterback Brock Purdy. Additionally, key contributors like tight end George Kittle and linebacker Fred Warner are in line for potential future contract extensions.
Trade rumors have swirled around Aiyuk and the 49ers, but there's a major complication—Aiyuk is still recovering from ACL and MCL injuries, making his return timeline uncertain.
While teams may be interested in acquiring him, The Athletic's Dianna Russini doesn't believe a trade is realistic (h/t Grant Cohn of Sports Illustrated).
"The 49ers have incentive to move Brandon Aiyuk before the April 1st payday," Russini said on her Scoop City podcast. "They've gotten some calls about him. We know that they signed him to a new contract last summer. We all know the drama that came with that.
"It's a $22.85 million roster bonus here, so there's some chatter that perhaps they're going to move him. There's chatter that there's teams interested."
Recent rumors suggest the Cleveland Browns are among the teams interested in Aiyuk. If true, they may be one of the teams that reached out, as Russini indicated.
But is a deal likely? Will Aiyuk be playing elsewhere in 2025? Russini remains skeptical.
"I don't get the sense that it's a reality," Russini said. "I'm sure the 49ers would like to do it because of the finances. ... I don't expect anything [to happen]."
If Aiyuk were traded, the 49ers would be left with Jauan Jennings and last year's first-round pick, Ricky Pearsall, as Brock Purdy's top wideout options in 2025—unless the team invests another high draft pick in a wide receiver.