The San Francisco 49ers underwent a major roster overhaul this offseason. Both defensively and offensively, the 49ers lost key personnel like Dre Greenlaw, Talanoa Hufanga, and Deebo Samuel Jr., just to name a few. On the offensive end, though, their hopes had to be pinned on the newly extended Brock Purdy, alongside a potentially resurgent year from Brandon Aiyuk.
Unfortunately, the latter’s timeline for recovery remains a mystery, throwing a wrench in San Francisco’s plans for the 2025 season. But, general manager John Lynch was quick to rebound and sign some depth to the wide receiver room, right as training camp for the season gets underway.
Can the San Francisco 49ers Sustain Without Brandon Aiyuk?
A first-round pick in 2020, Aiyuk quickly became a vital piece of San Francisco’s attack, logging highly productive seasons in quick succession. His best years came in 2022 and 2023, as he tallied back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons.
Earning a spot on the All-Pro team in 2023, he tallied 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns, leading to a new contract with the 49ers worth four years and $120 million. Unfortunately, Year 1 of the contract did not go according to plan.
After an extremely slow start (374 yards and zero touchdowns through seven games), Aiyuk tore his MCL and ACL simultaneously, leading to a lengthy spell on the sidelines. As it turns out, his return remains unclear, even as the NFL preseason games draw closer.
League insider Adam Schefter broke the news on X, stating, “San Francisco GM John Lynch told reporters today that 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk currently is ‘not anywhere close to having a concrete timeline’ to return from the knee injury suffered last season.”
San Francisco GM John Lynch told reporters today that 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk currently is ânot anywhere close to having a concrete timelineâ to return from the knee injury suffered last season.
â Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 22, 2025
For a team that is going to rely on Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall this upcoming season, the hope of Aiyuk’s return was a big part of their offensive plans. However, with those plans in disarray, San Francisco quickly rebounded to add a deep-ball threat in the form of Equanimeous St. Brown.
A former sixth-round pick, Brown has had stints with the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears before most recently suiting up for the New Orleans Saints in 2024. He has averaged 14.7 yards per reception in his career, and Brown can be another reliable weapon for Purdy.
Nick Wagoner of ESPN broke the news on X, as he confirmed, “#49ers are signing WR Equanimeous St. Brown after a tryout on Monday. Gives them a little depth at a time with plenty of questions in that room.”
#49ers are signing WR Equanimeous St. Brown after a tryout on Monday. Gives them a little depth at a time with plenty of questions in that room.
â Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) July 22, 2025
However, the news of Aiyuk’s uncertainty confirms the increase in workload on a returning Christian McCaffrey, who will once again be the centerpiece of the 49ers’ attack. Unless Purdy, now on a five-year contract worth $265 million, takes another step forward, the situation in San Francisco doesn’t inspire a ton of confidence.
