49ers trade rumor could lead to deal with Patriots, Giants or Raiders

Feb 25, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The San Francisco 49ers are expected to move on from wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk this offseason, but it could come through a trade rather than the team cutting him.

49ers radio play-by-play host Guy Haberman believes some teams could show interest in trading for Aiyuk, and San Francisco would rather wait and maximize his value through a trade rather than just releasing him.

"If they got a seventh-round pick because they waited three months, that would be considered maximizing value. From what I’m hearing, I do think a couple of teams will say, ‘Yeah, I can put him with my quarterback, in my system, and give him a fresh start. What’s a seventh-round pick?’ Haberman said. "They’re not going to cut bait with a guy if there’s even a 5% chance he can still bring some value.”

Aiyuk didn't play a snap in 2025 as he was recovering from a torn ACL, but when San Francisco placed the veteran receiver on the reserve/left squad list, it was clear something was also going on behind the scenes.

In the end, general manager John Lynch said that Aiyuk has played his last snap in a 49ers uniform, so it's incredibly unlikely that he is in San Francisco by Week 1.

The 49ers have yet to release Aiyuk, and according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, it looks like the franchise is in no rush to cut ties with the Arizona State product, as his contract has no guaranteed money left. That gives San Francisco time to explore what the trade market looks like for Aiyuk.

Aiyuk won't land the 49ers much of a return on the trade market due to his massive contract and uncertain future stemming from not appearing in a game this past season, but the New England Patriots, New York Giants, and Las Vegas Raiders could still show interest in the 27-year-old in a trade.

All three teams are in need of help at receiver, and could look to take a flyer on Aiyuk, who posted 1,342 receiving yards in his last healthy season in 2023.

New England added Romeo Doubs in free agency, but could still use a capable No. 2 receiver. The same goes for New York as they wait to see when Malik Nabers can return from a torn ACL.

Las Vegas must do all they can to surround presumed No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza with as much talent as possible. A trade for Aiyuk would give Mendoza another potential impact playmaker to pair with Jalen Nailor and tight end Brock Bowers.

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