Brandon Aiyuk’s run with the San Francisco 49ers appears to be nearing its end, with the team already in the offseason. After not playing during the 2025 NFL season, Aiyuk is expected to continue his career with a different organization, at least that’s what many would expect.

That reality puts pressure on the 49ers to decide how and when to move forward. ESPN’s Nick Wagoner noted in an article published on Jan. 21 that Aiyuk’s future guarantees have been voided. However, releasing the wide receiver this offseason would still result in nearly $30 million in dead money against the salary cap.

San Francisco would have another option by waiting until after June 1, spreading the dead cap hit into $13.325 million in 2026 and $21.247 million in 2027. Those same figures would apply in a trade, though a trade cannot be designated post-June 1 and would require Aiyuk to have stayed on the roster through the summer.

Nonetheless, On SI’s 49ers beat reporter, Grant Cohn, questions whether Aiyuk wants to play football anymore.

“People keep saying Brandon Aiyuk quit on the 49ers this year and he did,” Cohn said in a video published on Jan. 23 on his YouTube channel. But doesn’t it seem like he also quit football entirely forever? I mean, isn’t he moving like a guy who doesn’t really expect to play another snap in his career? Is he trying to endear himself to other teams when he posts videos speeding past Levi’s Stadium? Who would want him at this point after everything that’s transpired?”

Does 49ers’ Brandon Aiyuk Have Any Suitors?

Moreover, Cohn noted that potential landing spots for Aiyuk appear to be drying up, as he believes the Washington Commanders and Pittsburgh Steelers, two teams Aiyuk was linked to in the past, might not have interest in him.

“The Commanders already have Deebo Samuel and have filled that spot,” Cohn added. “Pittsburgh, Mike Tomlin isn’t there anymore. Those were the two places that Brandon Aiyuk seemed like he wanted to play instead of the 49ers. So, those aren’t options. Seems to me like he’s moving like a guy who has $50 million and doesn’t want to play football anymore.”

The Bills Seen as Ideal Landing Spot for Brandon Aiyuk

Nonetheless, this is the NFL, and teams are willing to take a flyer on a player as long as he’s producing while filling a team weakness. CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan recently listed potential landing spots for Aiyuk and one team that can use him is the Buffalo Bills.

“They were not able to get it done [this season] in my opinion because of the lackluster wide receiver room,” Sullivan said on a Jan. 21 appearance on CBS Sports HQ. “… You need somebody like Brandon Aiyuk at least [who] has that All-Pro caliber talent. Obviously, he’s coming off the injury and this tumultuous tenure with the 49ers, but if he arrived in Buffalo, he would be the best wide receiver they’ve had since Stefon Diggs.

“You look back to this season, Josh Allen was throwing to guys like Brandin Cooks, who arrived in the middle of the year, late October, November range. That’s not going to cut it if you’re Josh Allen trying to contend for a Super Bowl. Brandon Aiyuk does fit that billing of a No. 1 wide receiver when his head’s on straight, when he’s fully healthy.”