While the future was already in doubt, San Francisco 49ers owner John Lynch confirmed in the latest press conference that star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk played his last snap with the team. According to the source, Lynch made the final verdict on Aiyuk’s future, which was already in the wind, but has made the final confirmation that the 49ers are moving on. It’s been a strained relationship between the 49ers and the wide receiver this past season, as Aiyuk hasn’t played a snap with the team. A couple of offseasons ago, the 49ers were close to trading Aiyuk before giving him a monster contract extension that got him to play in the 2024 campaign.
Unfortunately, the 49ers lost Aiyuk during the same season to a torn ACL, and the receiver hasn’t come back. It has been a disappointing investment for the team as they will look in the NFL Draft and free agency to search for their new pass-catcher.
Just in: #49ers GM John Lynch says it’s safe to say that WR Brandon Aiyuk will not be back in San Francisco. pic.twitter.com/rbYzVYJTxe
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 21, 2026
John Lynch Comments Confirms a Brandon Aiyuk Trade to These Three Teams
It’s “buyer’s remorse” for the 49ers, so it shouldn’t be surprising if the 49ers release Aiyuk if they can’t find a trade partner. After voiding all of his guarantees on his contract, it makes things easier for the 49ers to pull the trigger to send Aiyuk to a new team. Originally selected in the first-round of the 2020 NFL Draft, the former Arizona State product was once a reliable receiver in the league until injuries became a major concern.
Aiyuk never properly recovered, and it’s time to heal with his new team, depending on where he does. The receiver could save his career with these three teams this upcoming offseason.
Potential Fits
Washington Commanders
Aiyuk could join the Commanders either through a trade or in free agency. The reunion with quarterback Jayden Daniels could make Aiyuk love football again and start fresh. The Commanders have made a few trades with each other for the past offseason after acquiring Deebo Samuel while sending Brian Robinson Jr. at a later time. It shouldn’t be surprising if the 49ers send Aiyuk to the Commanders, as they’re in dire need of a receiver either way.
Washington came off a promising 2024 campaign and NFC Championship run, but they could not live up to the moment the following seasons due to multiple injuries on both sides of the ball. Many should expect Daniels to encourage the Commanders to make a strong push for Aiyuk as another potential No. 1 receiver alongside Terry McLaurin.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs don’t need the drama, but they may not have a choice here. Rashee Rice is facing new legal trouble, and the Chiefs could be down a receiver for an extended time, just like last season. They can’t afford that, as Xavier Worthy, Tyquan Thornton and second-year Jalen Royals need a superstar wideout to join Patrick Mahomes and this passing game.
If anything, the Chiefs could sign Aiyuk on a low-stakes one-year deal to see what type of services he can add. After getting Thornton up to speed in a short period of time, they might be able to do the same with Aiyuk.
Dallas Cowboys
If anyone loves offering second chances, it’s Jerry Jones. While they are expected to extend George Pickens to a long-term extension, the Cowboys must address the depth of their receiving core. Jalen Tolbert is slated to leave in free agency, which would leave KaVontae Turpin and Ryan Flournoy and Jonathan Mingo to have a larger role. Flournoy impressed as a potential WR3, but Aiyuk is the better option given his potential stardom to turn his career around in a better environment for him.