And it still wouldn’t even be that satisfying.
The San Francisco 49ers appear stuck in trade limbo with disgruntled wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, and the path forward has become increasingly clear: if they want to move him before the season, they will likely have to attach draft compensation to get any deal done.
Aiyuk, who has not played since suffering a torn ACL and MCL in October 2024, remains a complicated figure for the 49ers. The team has openly signaled its willingness to listen to offers for the receiver, with the clock ticking toward a September 1 deadline tied to an option bonus. Yet despite shopping him aggressively, San Francisco has found no takers willing to surrender meaningful NFL Draft capital in exchange for a player coming off major knee surgery.
Any would-be suitor knows the 49ers are motivated to move on. Aiyuk’s own reluctance to engage has not helped matters, creating a stalemate that has dragged into the offseason. While the 49ers would prefer to recoup a draft pick for their former investment, the market has spoken clearly: no team is lining up to absorb Aiyuk’s current contract straight up.
The Realistic Path Forward
According to analysis, the only viable solution may require the 49ers to sweeten the pot by including one of their own draft picks. This would effectively transform any trade into a modest move-up in the draft order, most likely involving late Day 3 selections.
Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport recently outlined a potential framework for such a deal with the Washington Commanders — the team most frequently linked to Aiyuk:
- Washington Commanders Receive: WR Brandon Aiyuk, 2027 Round 6 Pick
- San Francisco 49ers Receive: 2027 Round 5 Pick
The move would represent a small net loss in draft position for San Francisco but could finally break the deadlock. Aiyuk’s collegiate connection to Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels at Arizona State adds a logical layer to the pairing, especially as Washington looks to bolster its receiving corps opposite Terry McLaurin.
However, significant hurdles remain. The Commanders — or any other interested party — would still have to accept Aiyuk’s existing contract as is. For Aiyuk himself, realism will be required. A release would likely result in a less lucrative deal on the open market compared to a restructured agreement with a new team.
High Stakes for All Parties
The 49ers invested heavily in Aiyuk entering the 2024 season, making the current situation a bitter outcome. Trading him for minimal or no return stings, yet keeping him carries its own risks given the clear tension. Releasing him outright remains the simplest exit ramp, but it yields zero compensation — something the team is evidently hoping to avoid.
For now, the ball remains in the court of potential trade partners. Until a team shows genuine willingness to take on the contract, San Francisco’s best — and perhaps only — realistic chance at salvaging value from the Aiyuk situation is to proactively include draft capital.
Whether that proves enough to finally move the needle remains to be seen. As training camp approaches and the September 1 deadline looms, the 49ers may soon face a defining choice: pay to get out, or cut ties entirely.
