Would Trading Brandon Aiyuk Be a Mistake for the 49ers?

The 49ers’ Uncertain Stance on Aiyuk

Brandon Aiyuk has been a key weapon in the San Francisco 49ers’ offense, but his future with the team is suddenly in doubt. After signing a massive four-year, $120 million extension just last season, Aiyuk’s name has now surfaced in trade rumors.

General manager John Lynch recently confirmed at the NFL Scouting Combine that the 49ers are listening to offers, citing financial constraints as a major factor. With the team already parting ways with Deebo Samuel and several other key players in free agency, moving Aiyuk would be yet another significant shake-up for an offense built around explosive playmakers.

A Costly Gamble or Smart Business Move?

The financial pressure is real. The 49ers spent a staggering $334 million on their roster last season, and with quarterback Brock Purdy’s contract extension looming, the team needs to free up cap space. If they don’t trade Aiyuk before April 1, they will be on the hook for a $23 million option bonus—money they seemingly aren’t eager to pay.

But while trading Aiyuk would ease some financial burden, the football logic behind such a move is questionable. The 49ers would be losing a proven wide receiver for what might amount to a bargain-bin return. Some reports suggest they could accept a mid-to-late-round pick just to offload his contract, a move that could come back to haunt them.

Aiyuk’s Potential and the Risk of Regret

Before his devastating knee injury last season—an ACL, MCL, and meniscus tear suffered against the Kansas City Chiefs—Aiyuk was emerging as a true No. 1 receiver. His route-running, yards-after-catch ability, and chemistry with Purdy made him a vital part of the offense.

If he can return to full health, trading him for a low-value pick would be a glaring mistake. Just a year ago, Aiyuk could have fetched a first-rounder in a trade. Now, if the 49ers settle for less, they risk watching him thrive elsewhere while they scramble to replace his production.

Is This the Right Time to Trade Aiyuk?

Timing is everything in the NFL, and if the 49ers were set on moving Aiyuk, last year would have been the ideal moment. Now, they face the worst-case scenario—selling low on a player who could still have years of high-level play left.

With Deebo Samuel already gone, removing Aiyuk from the roster would leave the 49ers with an even thinner receiving corps. George Kittle and Christian McCaffrey remain dangerous weapons, but the offense would lose a dynamic element that has been crucial to its success.

A High-Risk Decision Looms

The 49ers are at a crossroads. If they trade Aiyuk now just to save money, they could be making a decision they regret for years to come. Elite receivers are hard to find, and letting one go for minimal return—especially when his upside remains high—could be a franchise-altering mistake.

If Aiyuk returns to form and dominates elsewhere, San Francisco will have to answer for why they gave up on him so quickly. The financial aspect is understandable, but when it comes to winning football games, keeping Aiyuk may be the smarter play.