The NFL offseason hasn’t even officially begun yet, but teams are already being linked with making certain roster moves, and San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has become a point of interest. The experienced receiver has been rolling around in the rumor mill for the last couple of offseasons, and there’s a strong argument to be made that this year might be the year he leaves the Bay Area.
Where could he go?
Where Could 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk End Up Next Season?
Aiyuk has spent many moons in the Bay Area since being drafted by the Niners in 2020. However, with his name popping up in trade circles every offseason, his exit seems inevitable. Several teams have been touted as solid fits, with some having previously been mentioned as prospective landing spots, including the Cleveland Browns.
The Browns lacked receiver depth and experience this season, and Aiyuk would be the rock with which Cleveland could hit two birds. The team’s leading receiver this campaign was rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr., with 731 yards with wideout Jerry Jeudy trailing in second with 602 yards — neither having crossed the 800-yard mark.
Aiyuk’s 4,305 career receiving yards and 294 catches speak to the value he’d bring to Ohio. However, there are some factors to consider.
“We know that [the Browns] have pursued [Aiyuk] in the past,” Browns reporter Mary Kay Cabot told “The Ken Carman Show” on Thursday. “And [GM] Andrew Berry has a tendency to circle back on guys that he tried to acquire before, and go wrap them up. So, I wouldn’t be surprised if they do their diligence and inquire.”
“They have pursued him in the past and we know Andrew Berry has a tendency to circle back on guys he’s tried to acquire before. I wouldn’t be surprised if they at least do their diligence and inquire.”
📞@MaryKayCabot on the Browns possibly going after WR Brandon Aiyuk👀 pic.twitter.com/Ha2qDHYBRB
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) January 22, 2026
Carman asked the reporter whether it’s a good idea to have Aiyuk on the team. The wideout might add valuable experience, but whether he fits the system is another matter.
“I’d have to do a lot of homework to make sure it’s a culture fit. And, of course, I wouldn’t do anything until you have the new head coach in place, the new offensive staff in place, and make sure he is a player that is going to fit in with your culture, with your offense, and fall in line with everything that you wanna be doing.”
The Browns fired head coach Kevin Stefanski, who has since landed the Atlanta Falcons’ head coaching job. Who they select to take the franchise forward remains to be seen.
Coaching interviews are in full swing, and we should have a clear idea of who’ll get the seat in Cleveland in the coming weeks. Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski and Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz are highly sought-after around the league.
