NFL rumors: Brandon Aiyuk Trade Likely as 49ers Extension Talks Stall

As the quiet conflict between the San Francisco 49ers and Brandon Aiyuk stretches further into the summer, a recent NFL.com report suggests a reunion between the two sides might occur before the regular season begins, with a trade now seeming more probable than an extension.

“Contract talks remain stalled, and it seems more likely that Aiyuk will be traded than work out an extension with San Francisco, NFL Network Insiders Mike Garafolo and Tom Pelissero reported Monday,” wrote Nick Shook for NFL.com. “Multiple teams are interested in the rising receiver, but no deal is in place at this time, according to Garafolo and Pelissero.”

Drafted in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Aiyuk has become a key player in one of the league’s top offenses. Although a trade could bring significant assets to San Francisco, his absence would be notable.

In preparation, the 49ers drafted wide receiver Ricky Pearsall in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft as a potential replacement for Aiyuk. Pearsall, chosen at pick 31, is seen as insurance in case negotiations with Aiyuk fall through.

Pearsall, a two-year starter at Florida after beginning his college career at Arizona State, fits the 49ers’ preferred player profile. He stands 6-foot-1, weighs 189 pounds, and boasts a 4.41 40-yard dash time. He offers inside-out versatility, athleticism as a screen threat, and the agility to gain yards after the catch in Kyle Shanahan’s offense.

While Pearsall might not match Aiyuk’s 2024 production as a rookie—similar to Aiyuk’s own first year—he is expected to perform well if he steps into the WR2 role this fall. Ideally, he would serve as WR3 alongside his fellow former Sun Devil.