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3 NFL Teams That'll Go After 49ers Star Brandon Aiyuk
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- 3 NFL Teams That'll Go After 49ers Star Brandon Aiyuk
The Brandon Aiyuk drama is about to resurface for the San Francisco 49ers.
Aiyuk was expected to lead San Francisco's passing attack when he agreed to a four-year, $120 million contract with the 49ers in 2024. After suffering a torn ACL in October of that year, he failed to meet certain requirements for the team. That led to the 49ers voiding $27 million in guarantees on his contract.
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"And another thing. You want to know why they really mad, though? They mad 'cause they stupid. They dumb," Aiyuk said in a social media rant. "They mad that they paid me $50 million in eight months and then voided my guarantees for 2027. And I'm about to be on a new team in 2027. They mad at themselves for real. They acting like they mad at me, but they stupid [expletive] mad at themselves."
The 49ers mad it clear they were done with Aiyuk by placing a left squad designation on him for the 2026 season. He's not currently on their roster, but that's about to change.
Sep 29, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) warms up before the game against the New England Patriots at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images© Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
ESPN's Adam Schefter broke the news Wednesday that Aiyuk has turned in paperwork to be reinstated. His agent, Drew Rosenhaus, confirmed that he's ready to get off the Reserve/Left Squad list.
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"Brandon is healthy and ready to get back on the field," Rosenhaus told Schefter.
Once Aiyuk returns to the facility, the 49ers will have to either cut him, trade him or play him. Kyle Shanahan has already told reporters that he's not interested in a reunion with the former All-Pro, so fans should expect to see Aiyuk on a different team later this season.
Who will target Brandon Aiyuk?
The Kansas City Chiefs can't be ruled out as a contender for Aiyuk, especially since they're looking for help at the wide receiver position.
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The same thing can be said for the Los Angeles Rams. If they're willing to take on another big personality, Aiyuk could hold down the fort – in theory – until Davante Adams returns.
Last but certainly not least, the Washington Commanders have to be viewed as a suitor for Aiyuk. After all, they were linked to him during the 2026 offseason.
"I think they will be holding onto him to see if there's any trade value at all. Washington does make a lot of sense," Schefter said. "He played with Jayden Daniels in college. They're very close. I'm sure Jayden would love to play again with Brandon Aiyuk, but I don't get the sense that the 49ers are in any rush to move on from Brandon Aiyuk even though we know eventually they will."
Where do you think Aiyuk will end up?
This story was originally published by The Spun on Nov 4, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
