The San Francisco 49ers and Brandon Aiyuk appear to be operating in lockstep as both sides prepare for an inevitable separation.
Following the conclusion of the 2025 season and internal discussions about the direction of the roster, San Francisco has made it clear that Aiyuk’s time with the organization is nearing its end.
Rather than allowing the process to drag into free agency chaos, the 49ers and Aiyuk have worked toward a shared understanding on how the situation should unfold.
According to league chatter, both sides have narrowed the field to three teams viewed as realistic and mutually acceptable trade destinations.
Those teams are the Buffalo Bills, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Washington Commanders.
Buffalo represents the cleanest football fit, with a clear need for a true No. 1 wide receiver to pair with quarterback Josh Allen after a season in which the Bills leaned heavily on the run game.
Pittsburgh has also emerged as a logical option, as the Steelers continue searching for consistency in the passing game and possess the draft capital necessary to engage in serious trade talks.
Washington rounds out the list as a team with financial flexibility and a developing quarterback in Jayden Daniels, where Aiyuk could immediately step into a prominent role alongside Terry McLaurin.
From the 49ers’ perspective, limiting negotiations to a small group of motivated teams streamlines the process and increases the likelihood of extracting meaningful draft compensation.
For Aiyuk, the approach offers clarity and control, ensuring his next destination provides both opportunity and offensive relevance after a season lost to injury.
The former Pro Bowler has been the subject of trade speculation for multiple seasons, and this development signals that the situation is finally moving toward resolution.
While no deal is imminent, the shared framework between player and team marks a significant step forward.
As the offseason unfolds, attention will shift to which of the three teams is willing to meet San Francisco’s asking price — and which landing spot ultimately becomes the next chapter of Brandon Aiyuk’s career.
