NFL Insider Reveals Major Update on Brandon Aiyuk Trade Talks, Including ‘Unofficial Deadline’

The San Francisco 49ers have a critical call to make on Brandon Aiyuk — and they’re running out of time to make it. The star wide receiver signed a four-year, $120 million contract extension last August, which included a massive $22.85 million bonus set to hit the books on April 1. That looming date has turned up the heat on trade speculation, and it could be the final window for San Francisco to act.

Aiyuk has been among the most productive players on the 49ers’ offense over the past two years. He posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, including a career-high 1,342 yards in 2023. His connection with quarterback Brock Purdy helped open Kyle Shanahan’s offense, making Aiyuk one of the team’s most reliable weapons. But his momentum came to a halt in 2024 after he tore his MCL and ACL, an injury that sidelined him for most of the year and raised concerns about how soon he’d be back to full strength.

Brandon Aiyuk Trade Comes With ‘Unofficial’ Deadline

According to NFL insider Adam Schefter, the 49ers’ decision on Aiyuk must happen now. Once April 1 passes and that $22.85 million bonus is paid, a trade would be off the table — at least for this year. That deadline has become what Schefter calls the “unofficial” cutoff for Aiyuk’s trade talks.

“Once the 49ers pay that bonus, any trade talks for Aiyuk would be off, and he would be expected to spend the 2025 season in San Francisco,” Schefter said. “So Tuesday looms as Aiyuk’s unofficial trade deadline, and no deal currently is expected by then.”

Even with San Francisco open to trading him, no teams have pulled the trigger yet. Part of that is tied to Aiyuk’s health, as clubs might want to see how he recovers before making a significant investment. But there’s also a financial layer to this: Trading Aiyuk would result in an $18.4 million dead cap hit for the 49ers. His 2025 base salary is only $1.17 million, but a $23 million signing bonus from his last deal is prorated over four years — and that structure brings heavy cap consequences if he’s moved now.

49ers owe WR Brandon Aiyuk a $22.85 million bonus if he’s on their roster Tuesday, April 1. Once the 49ers pay that bonus, any trade talks for Aiyuk would be off, and he would be expected to spend the 2025 season in San Francisco. So Tuesday looms as Aiyuk’s unofficial trade… pic.twitter.com/spfecSg4Qi

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 30, 2025

The 49ers are also juggling other big decisions. Star pass rusher Nick Bosa is already on a huge contract, and Purdy, who was on a rookie deal, becomes extension-eligible this offseason. That could mean more roster reshuffling to make room for a long-term quarterback payday.

Right now, no trade seems imminent, and time is running short. If Aiyuk stays past April 1, San Francisco will likely focus on getting him healthy and back to his Pro Bowl form for the 2025 season. But in the NFL, things can change fast — and until that deadline hits, anything’s still possible.