Brandon Aiyuk hasn't been traded by the 49ers yet this offseason, but a new report from ESPN's Adam Schefter suggest the wide receiver still could be on the move soon.
Appearing on the network's NFL Live show on Monday, Schefter didn't mince words on Aiyuk's mindset when it comes to where he wants to be playing in the near future.
“I think his desire to get paid is greater than his desire to stay in San Francisco," Schefter said of Aiyuk.
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The 49ers already are locked into lucrative long-term deals with two other key targets for quarterback Brock Purdy. Tight end George Kittle and wideout Deebo Samuel are right up there with left tackle Trent Williams and running back Christian McCaffrey among the team's highest-paid offensive players.
Aiyuk is making more than $14 million in his fifth season after being drafted in the first round in 2020. He's a pending free agent that the 49ers might have trouble re-signing in 2025, given that's when Purdy will be set up for a big raise from his bargain rookie deal. For Aiyuk to break the bank long-term as a top wide receiver, he would likely need to do it outside of San Francisco.
Here's looking at the five best team fits for a potential Aiyuk trade.
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Brandon Aiyuk landing spots: Best trade fits for 49ers WR
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers traded Diontae Johnson to the Panthers, leaving some big holes at wide receiver behind field-stretcher George Pickens. Pittsburgh has already been aggressive on the market with GM Omar Khan, getting steals of deals on QBs Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Aiyuk and Pickens would be a dangerous combination for Arthur Smith's new offense with Wilson getting the ball well to both downfield.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Former 49ers GM Trent Baalke lost Calvin Ridley in free agency and replaced him with former Bills deep threat Gabe Davis. Davis and slot ace Christian Kirk would be joined by Zay Jones as Trevor Lawrence's three best wide receivers. Aiyuk would give them a true big-play No. 1 with a better recent track record of production outside than either Davis or Jones.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers traded Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, leaving little at wide receiver beyond Josh Palmer and 2023 first-rounder Quentin Johnston for Justin Herbert in the new offense of Greg Roman. Aiyuk would be a good big-play replacement for Williams under former 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh.
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Buffalo Bills
The Bills traded Stefon Diggs and didn't re-sign Davis. Their top two wide receivers for now are Khalil Shakir and former Commanders No. 3 Curtis Samuel. They should be interested, too, in Aiyuk's big-play ability for big-armed Josh Allen, though it might be tough to make the financials work.
New York Jets
The Jets took a flier on an aging, oft-injured Williams in free agency to help Garrett Wilson, but coach Robert Saleh, a former 49ers defensive coordinator, would feel better for their offense with Aiyuk on the outside playing off Wilson to boost Aaron Rodgers.
When Rodgers was with the Packers in 2020, Aiyuk was tied to them in the first round before he was drafted No. 25 overall, one spot ahead of QB Jordan Love. Aiyuk can be a dynamic target for Rodgers getting favorable coverage away from Wilson.
