The San Francisco 49ers efficiently handled the Cleveland Browns in Week 13, winning 26-8. It was the third win in a row for the 49ers and moved the team to 9-4 on the season. Usually, 9-4 would be good enough for first place, but the 49ers are technically in third behind the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks.
It’s been a successful season so far, and that’s without top wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Aiyuk is still recovering from ACL and MCL injuries and has not played in 2025. Both Aiyuk and the team appear unhappy, and a trade seems inevitable.
Commanders Floated As Landing Spot for Brandon Aiyuk
Aiyuk signed a massive four-year, $120 million extension ahead of the 2024 season. However, the receiver has only played in seven games since signing that contract, and both sides seem ready for a fresh start.
On April 1, Aiyuk’s $24.935 million roster bonus for 2026 became guaranteed. But Aiyuk missed multiple rehabilitation sessions in the offseason, and the Niners voided his 2026 guarantees, including that option bonus. It now seems like the relationship is damaged beyond repair.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler believes the Washington Commanders are a team to watch for an Aiyuk trade. Quarterback Jayden Daniels was Aiyuk’s teammate at Arizona State, and the two have a good relationship.
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“One team to potentially watch for Aiyuk is Washington,” Fowler explained. “He is close with quarterback Jayden Daniels, his former teammate at Arizona State. And general manager Adam Peters — a John Lynch disciple from his time in San Francisco — understands the Aiyuk experience well.”
The Commanders could undoubtedly use a receiver of Aiyuk’s caliber. Terry McLaurin has battled injuries all season, and Deebo Samuel is set to be a free agent after the season. Aiyuk and Daniels already have chemistry, so this could be one of the best possibilities.
On the financial side, the math is pretty simple considering Aiyuk’s guarantees have been voided. The 49ers would incur a $29.585 million dead-money hit with the option to spread it over two years if they deal him after June 1.
Wide Receiver Could Be Big Offseason Need in San Francisco
The 49ers are having a solid season, but they could use some reinforcements at receiver in the offseason. Kendrick Bourne and Jauan Jennings, the team’s top receivers, are both headed for free agency.
With Rickey Pearsall and Demarcus Robinson, the team’s top options on the roster for 2026, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the team make some additions.
Running back Christian McCaffrey leads the team in receptions and yards in 2025, but he will be another year older in 2026 and has a lengthy injury history.
Aiyuk would be a significant loss, even though he hasn’t played in a calendar year. The receiver has eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark twice and was one of just six receivers to earn an “A” grade from PFSN’s WR Impact ranking in 2023.
