Will Brandon Aiyuk Be Traded? The Latest Rumors and What They Mean for the 49ers’ Future

For much of the last offseason and preseason, it seemed like a foregone conclusion that San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk would be traded. The rumors started swirling, particularly when negotiations surrounding a contract extension took longer than expected. Fast forward to the 2025 offseason, and although Aiyuk has signed a long-term deal, rumors are once again making the rounds, with speculation that the 49ers could part ways with their star receiver sooner rather than later. But what’s really going on behind the scenes? Let’s break down the latest developments and try to figure out where Aiyuk’s future with the 49ers stands.

Brandon Aiyuk’s Contract Drama: A Closer Look at His 2024 Season

Brandon Aiyuk’s contract saga was one of the biggest storylines for the 49ers last season. After a lengthy hold-in during training camp—where Aiyuk attended team activities but didn’t participate in practices—the 49ers and Aiyuk finally agreed to a four-year, $120 million contract. Nearly two-thirds of that contract is guaranteed, signaling a serious commitment from the 49ers.

However, Aiyuk’s season took a serious turn for the worse when he suffered season-ending ACL and MCL injuries in October. This unfortunate setback now casts a shadow over his status for the 2025 season, as he may be sidelined for a significant portion of the year. Given that, the 49ers’ plans for Aiyuk moving forward are still uncertain, and rumors of a potential trade have begun to surface once again.

The Trade Rumors: Why Are People Still Talking About Aiyuk Leaving?

The rumors about Aiyuk potentially being traded first gained traction last year when the 49ers seemed ready to move on from him during the contract dispute. At one point, it appeared that Aiyuk might be on his way to the Pittsburgh Steelers, fueling speculation that his time in San Francisco could be coming to an end. Even though the situation seemed to calm down with the signing of the new contract, the whispers around Aiyuk’s future haven’t entirely faded.

The fact that Aiyuk has a sizable contract, combined with the uncertainty surrounding his recovery from injury, makes it understandable why other teams might show interest. It’s also worth noting that his trade value might not be as high right now, given his injury history and the uncertainty of his availability for 2025. Nonetheless, it remains a question whether the 49ers would consider moving on from a player who could still be a key contributor once he’s healthy again.

John Lynch’s Stance: Aiyuk’s Future Is Still with the 49ers

Despite the persistent trade rumors, 49ers general manager John Lynch seems to have put the speculation to rest—for now. In a recent interview, Lynch addressed the trade talk surrounding Aiyuk and made it clear that the 49ers view him as a key part of their future.

“There’s probably spillover from last year when we were going through his contract thing, and a number of teams became interested in Brandon,” Lynch said. “People called, you always take calls from folks, but we’ve always been interested in Brandon being part of the Niners. We made that decision when we signed him. It’s good to hear that he’s tracking well with his progress. He’s working really hard to do so, and I expect fully that Aiyuk will be a part of us moving forward.”

Lynch’s words strongly suggest that the 49ers are committed to Aiyuk for the 2025 season. With the trade rumors swirling, Lynch’s statement serves as a reminder that while trade discussions may be ongoing, the 49ers are still invested in their star receiver.

The Financial Implications: What a Trade Would Mean for the 49ers

For the 49ers, trading Aiyuk is not as simple as making a deal and moving on. If the team were to trade Aiyuk before June 1, they would face an $18.4 million dead cap hit for the current season. However, if they waited until after June 1, the dead cap would drop to $4.6 million, though they would still be on the hook for $13.8 million next season.

These financial considerations make a trade in 2025 seem unlikely, especially given the 49ers’ current roster construction. The team would have to weigh the value of trading Aiyuk against the financial hit, and with his large guaranteed contract, it may not make sense to move on from him at this stage.

Aiyuk’s Future with the 49ers: What Comes Next?

It’s clear that while the 49ers’ general manager, John Lynch, is not ruling out the possibility of a trade, the most likely scenario is that Aiyuk remains on the roster in 2025. With the team committed to his new contract and his continued recovery from injury, it’s reasonable to expect that the 49ers will give him the chance to prove himself once again as a top-tier wide receiver.

In the coming months, Aiyuk will need to focus on his rehabilitation and get back to full health. If he can return to form and stay healthy, he will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in the 49ers’ offense. His skill set—combining speed, route-running ability, and versatility—remains a key asset for the team, especially as they continue to build around quarterback Brock Purdy and their championship aspirations.

Conclusion: Aiyuk’s Future in San Francisco—Still Uncertain, But Promising

While it’s hard to predict where Brandon Aiyuk’s future with the 49ers will ultimately land, it’s clear that his status with the team will remain a major storyline in the offseason. For now, the 49ers seem committed to him, but the financial dynamics, injury recovery, and team needs will all play a role in shaping what comes next. One thing is for sure: as long as he’s healthy, Aiyuk’s talent will be a valuable asset to a 49ers team looking to stay competitive in the NFC.