San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York is not ruling out the possibility of wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk returning to the team, even as the franchise’s offseason decisions continue to fuel speculation about a potential trade. Speaking to a group of reporters at the NFL’s annual meetings, York addressed Aiyuk’s uncertain future and made clear that the organization is keeping every option available.
What 49ers Owner Jed York Said About Brandon Aiyuk’s Future
Aiyuk posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2022 and 2023, establishing himself as one of the league’s most efficient young receivers. However, his momentum stalled over the last two years.
He played only seven games in 2024 due to injuries and missed the entire 2025 season, a stretch that contributed to growing tension between the player and the franchise. His absence from team activities has kept him at the center of trade discussions.
The 49ers have already reshaped their receiving room this offseason, signing veteran wideouts Mike Evans and Christian Kirk in free agency. Both players bring leadership and proven production, giving San Francisco a more stable and experienced group. Their arrivals also raise the possibility that the team is preparing for life without Aiyuk or attempting to strengthen its leverage in trade talks.
York said the team is open to bringing Aiyuk back but acknowledged that his value around the league remains significant.
“BA is a very talented guy, would love to bring him back into the fold. And if not, I think he is a valuable asset other people would want,” York told reporters.
“I think anything is possible. Guys like Mike [Evans] and Christian [Kirk] are legit veteran people. That is a room that can absorb somebody that has had a tough go with our franchise for the last year or so.”
Owner Jed York did not discount the possibility of Brandon Aiyuk playing again for the 49ers.
“BA is a very talented guy, would love to bring him back into the fold. And if not, I think he’s a valuable asset other people would want. … I think anything’s possible. … Guys like… pic.twitter.com/XQV42tkHJY
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) March 30, 2026
San Francisco’s broader roster picture adds another layer to the situation. The 49ers finished last season with a PFSN NFL Offense Impact score of 84.2, ranking fourth in the league, a reflection of how strong the unit remained even without Aiyuk on the field.
That performance gives the front office flexibility as it evaluates whether to reintegrate him or move him for future assets.
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The 49ers have maintained that they do not intend to release Aiyuk outright, a stance that aligns with York’s comments. By adding Evans and Kirk, the team has insulated itself at the position while signaling to potential trade partners that it is not operating from a position of desperation.
Aiyuk’s combination of age, production, and upside still makes him one of the most intriguing potential trade targets available. At the same time, the 49ers remain in win-now mode and could benefit from keeping him if no suitable offer emerges.
