This offseason has been filled with wonder regarding the prospects of star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. The will he or won’t he saga that has centered around the idea of him being traded had seemingly died down until social media activity once again brought the topic back to the forefront.
With so much uncertainty around Aiyuk’s future with the San Francisco 49ers, we analyze five possible trade destinations and the compensation it may take to make it happen.
5 Trade Proposals for Brandon Aiyuk
Washington Commanders
Washington Trades:
- 2025 second-round pick
- 2025 fifth-round pick
49ers Trade:
- Brandon Aiyuk
Player-for-player trades are rare in the NFL, with most teams opting to gain draft capital and the control that comes with it if they’re going to move on from a player. In the case of the Washington Commanders, Dan Quinn has been aggressive since Day 1, and moving a Day 2 and Day 3 pick to get a top-tier WR feels like a no-brainer.
The Commanders are starting fresh with a new rookie quarterback in Jayden Daniels, and the best way to get him comfortable at the NFL level is to add a talented former teammate into the mix. Both Daniels and Aiyuk played together at Arizona State and have remained close friends ever since, setting up what looks to be an obvious landing spot for the young wideout.
New England Patriots
Patriots Trade:
- 2025 second-round pick
- 2025 sixth-round pick
- DB Jabrill Peppers
49ers Trade:
- WR Brandon Aiyuk
- 2025 seventh-round pick
The Patriots have obvious needs on the outside, and adding Aiyuk to the mix may be exactly what New England’s new regime is looking for.
The Patriots tried to be aggressive in free agency with their pursuit of Calvin Ridley and other available wideouts but struck out on finding a true impact add. This move allows them to correct that wrong while giving Drake Maye a new weapon and Aiyuk a fresh start.
MORE: 2025 NFL Free Agents By Position: Brandon Aiyuk, Dak Prescott Lead Class
For the 49ers, veteran Jabrill Peppers is an added piece to sweeten the deal. They instantly get picks for the future while adding another respected veteran in their secondary to help solidify an already feared defensive unit.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers Trade:
- 2025 first-round pick
- 2025 sixth-round pick
49ers Trade:
- WR Brandon Aiyuk
The possible connection between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Aiyuk has been strong all offseason. Many feel that the fit makes a ton of sense, and with the Steelers making many aggressive moves this offseason, trading a first-round selection and a Day 3 pick to ensure they can get Aiyuk continues that pattern.
Adding another weapon on the outside to pair with George Pickens and letting the two grow together over the next few years could be a home-run decision for Pittsburgh. In this scenario, they may know that and be willing to give a little extra to make it happen.
Indianapolis Colts
Colts Trade:
- 2025 second-round pick
- WR Alec Pierce
49ers Trade:
- WR Brandon Aiyuk
Yes, the Colts added Adonai Mitchell in the draft, but with a young QB still on a rookie deal, they can continue going all in on more outside weapons for Anthony Richardson while his price is low. It may also be necessary.
In this scenario, Indianapolis gives up third-year WR Alec Pierce in the exchange as well as a second-round pick. Between Mitchell, Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, and now Aiyuk, it’s a price worth paying to have as young and exciting a WR group as there is in the NFL.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Jaguars Trade:
- 2025 second-round pick
- 2025 fourth-round pick
- 2026 conditional seventh-round pick
49ers Trade:
- WR Brandon Aiyuk
- 2025 seventh-round pick
The Jacksonville Jaguars have just locked up their QB of the future. Now, their next piece of business is securing him a star wideout to throw to.
The Jaguars added Brian Thomas Jr. in the 2024 NFL Draft, but in today’s day and age of the NFL, the more weapons in the passing game, the better.
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Jacksonville added Gabe Davis in the offseason, and Christian Kirk has been a steady piece for them over the last few seasons.
Yet, adding Aiyuk to the mix after losing Ridley in the offseason brings that explosive element back to the group.