Brandon Aiyuk landing spots as 49ers search for answer to huge dilemma

It's seemingly the end of the road as the relationship between the San Francisco 49ers and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has soured.

Niners general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan have echoed that Aiyuk has not had communication with the team in some time and that all options to move him are on the table. Lynch said during a Jan. 21 news conference that Aiyuk has most likely "played his last snap" for San Francisco.

Aiyuk was placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and missed the entire 2025 season, including postseason games, due to injuries sustained to his ACL and MCL in Week 7 of the 2024 NFL season. Aiyuk, who missed rehab sessions for his injuries, had nearly $30 million in guarantees voided as a consequence and was moved to the reserve/left squad list in December.

"The plan in terms of the transaction, that will come in due time, (but) I think it's safe to say that he's played his last snap with the Niners," Lynch said in January. "It's unfortunate, you know, situation that just went awry. I will look long and hard at what could have been done differently, but sometimes (it) just doesn't work out. And I think this was a case where that happened."

Aiyuk was selected by the 49ers with the 25th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Aiyuk was drafted out of Arizona State, and before that he played at Sierra College, a junior college in Rocklin, California. He spent all six seasons in San Francisco.

He tallied 294 catches, 4,305 yards and 25 touchdowns in 69 games with the Niners. It's a level of production that would suggest another club could consider trading for him or signing him if the 49ers are eventually compelled to release him.

Brandon Aiyuk landing spots

Here is the list of possible teams to go after Aiyuk and add him to their roster.

Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders organization has had a knack historically for taking in disgruntled or forgotten players and giving them another chance in their football careers. Aiyuk maxed out his stay in San Francisco, and his actions over the past 12 months indicate that it's irreparable. They could be a dark-horse to bring in more wideout talent to surround their quarterback tandem of Kirk Cousins and No. 1-pick Fernando Mendoza.

Cleveland Browns

Cleveland has been linked to acquiring Aiyuk, mainly due to the fact that the Browns have made passes at Aiyuk in the past, but they never were able to see it through. The Browns, like the Raiders, are known for giving second chances and for seeing something in players who may have had unfavorable exits from a previous team. Plus, Cleveland will look to add weapons for Shedeur Sanders or Deshaun Watson. However, they are a longer shot now after investing a first- and second-round pick in wideouts in last month's draft.

New Orleans Saints

The Saints situation is interesting because they could use a talent such as Aiyuk. It's a gamble. But the Saints last year pulled off a 6-11 season and could use all the help they can get. Pairing Aiyuk across from Chris Olave could be an option. After all, in his last fully healthy season in 2023, Aiyuk caught 75 passes for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns. If New Orleans makes a move for Aiyuk, that's the productivity they'd hope for. Yet the Saints may also think twice now after investing the eighth overall pick of the 2026 draft into play-making WR Jordyn Tyson.

Miami Dolphins

Miami is in a position where they need to find a No. 1-receiver to lead their offensive core. Enter Aiyuk. He split targets with Deebo Samuel in San Francisco until the latter left for Washington. Miami used three mid-round picks on receivers in the draft and signed Jalen Tolbert and Tutu Atwell in free agency. The Dolphins still clearly lack a top-level threat at the position, and Aiyuk could help there − but would have to convince a rebuilding team that he wouldn't compromise its culture.

Aiyuk's not-so-likely destinations. But don't rule out...

One thing's for sure, two for certain. The 49ers are not dealing Aiyuk anywhere within the NFC West division. So "x" out the Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams as potential suitors for Aiyuk. The only way this could even be remotely possible is if there's an offer that is absolutely unrefusable. The following teams are unlikely but could be an interesting case in the Aiyuk sweepstakes.

Los Angeles Chargers

Trading Aiyuk to the Rams is foolish, but the other LA team might be able to make something shake. The Chargers could use a talent like Aiyuk, especially if he's locked in. Los Angeles currently fields young rising slot Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston. Aiyuk in the mix, at a low price, seems worth the risk.

New York Giants

The G-Men of New York are quietly putting together a core in the NFC that can be competitive should all the stars align. They have the coach, welcome John Harbaugh. They've found their quarterback in Jaxson Dart, a hard-nose running back in Cam Skattebo, star-like receiver in Malik Nabers and a defensive anchor in Abdul Carter. Other dominoes need to fall to put everything in place like health. Nabers missed the majority of the 2025 season with a torn ACL. Whether or not he'll be ready for Week 1 is to be determined, however Aiyuk could be a placeholder for the time being.

New England Patriots

The Patriots are coming off of a Super Bowl appearance and look to find ways to improve their team and get back. New England picked up Stefon Diggs last season after four seasons with the Buffalo Bills and one injury-shortened one in Houston in 2024. Many thought he wouldn't be a factor but Diggs provided veteran stability and caught passes when targeted by Drake Maye. Aiyuk could have a similar scenario: dumped by his previous team, given up on, only for the Patriots to see life in him and bring him on board. But New England is also a likely landing spot for AJ Brown.

Washington Commanders

Jayden Daniels and Aiyuk, who were teammates at Arizona State in 2019, seem to have a bond outside of football, which could favor Aiyuk in conversations of bringing him to the nation's capital. However, it's out of Daniels' hands.

"I don't know, I don't have a sense on it," Daniels told reporters. "That is my brother and we have a personal relationship. His football future, that's out of my control."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Brandon Aiyuk landing spots as 49ers search for answer to huge dilemma

Reporting by Marcus D. Smith, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect

This story was originally published May 29, 2026 at 11:43 AM.