49ers predicted to get trade news during NFL draft on Brandon Aiyuk from NFC East club originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The San Francisco 49ers have been searching for a resolution with Brandon Aiyuk for the entire offseason, but there has not been any traction on a roster move just yet.
Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch are looking to trade Aiyuk this offseason, instead of simply cutting him and not getting anything in return. If Aiyuk were healthy and played this past season, it might not be hard, but now, it's difficult for a trade to materialize.
But, Eric Williams of Fox Sports is predicting that, during the 2026 NFL Draft, the 49ers get some great news on an Aiyuk trade, as the NFC East Washington Commanders come calling and swing a deal for the disgruntled WR.
"Prediction: No Brown trade during the draft, but Aiyuk will be traded by the 49ers," Williams writes. "The 49ers voided all the guarantees in Aiyuk's contract after he refused to rehab his knee injury at the team's facility last season."
The 49ers being able to swing a trade involving Aiyuk would be some incredible news. He's not going to be with the team in 2026, so if the 49ers find a way to trade him for anything in return, it would be worthwhile.
Even if Aiyuk is only used to move up the board on Day 3 a few spots, it would be better than simply cutting him after the draft is over.
More: 49ers searching for possible Brandon Aiyuk trade instead of a simple release
Aiyuk would likely be open to a trade or a signing with the Commanders, as Washington's quarterback, Jayden Daniels, played with Aiyuk at Arizona State in college.
William's prediction coming true would be ideal, and it makes sense for everyone involved. The 49ers move on from Aiyuk and pick up something in return, Aiyuk lands on his likely preferred destination, and the Commanders take a flier on a former top WR.
The odds of the 49ers actually swinging a trade with Aiyuk seem slim. Teams might be better off waiting for the 49ers to cut Aiyuk instead of trading for him.
But, if there were to be a team to trade for Aiyuk, the Commanders with the link to Daniels make the most sense as a trade partner this offseason.
Mac Jones trade demand from 49ers is ‘astronomical’ price
49ers might be interested in Joel Bitonio after decade-plus with Browns
49ers plan to limit Christian McCaffrey’s touches in 2026
Nick Bosa named as 49ers’ most overpaid player with $170M dealoi