49ers Maintain Hard Stance on Star WR Aiyuk

Team open to trading disgruntled receiver as they add Mike Evans in free agency

Mar. 30, 2026 at 9:56pm by Ben Kaplan

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a 49ers football game, with sharp geometric shapes in red, gold, blue, and green overlapping to create a dynamic, abstract representation of the action on the field.The 49ers' decision to move on from Brandon Aiyuk reflects their commitment to building a championship-caliber roster, even if it means parting ways with a talented but disgruntled player.San Francisco Today

The San Francisco 49ers appear poised to part ways with star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk this offseason, as the team maintains a hard stance after Aiyuk sat out the 2025 season due to reported issues with his rehab. Head coach Kyle Shanahan indicated the team is in no rush to trade Aiyuk but is open to getting something in return, with the 49ers already adding Mike Evans in free agency to bolster their receiving corps.

Why it matters

The 49ers are in a Super Bowl window, and the Aiyuk situation has become a distraction. By moving on from the disgruntled receiver, the team can focus on their championship aspirations with a revamped receiving unit led by Evans and other key targets for quarterback Brock Purdy.

The details

After Aiyuk sat out the 2025 season due to reported issues with his rehab, the 49ers have decided it's time to part ways with the talented but troubled receiver. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said the team is open to trading Aiyuk but is in no rush, wanting to ensure they get the right value in return. The 49ers have already added Mike Evans in free agency, giving them a proven veteran to pair with Purdy in the passing game.

  • The 49ers finished the 2025 season with a 12-5 record and made the playoffs without Aiyuk.
  • The 49ers signed Mike Evans in free agency this offseason to bolster their receiving corps.

The players

Brandon Aiyuk

A talented but disgruntled wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers who sat out the 2025 season due to reported issues with his rehab.

Kyle Shanahan

The head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, who has indicated the team is open to trading Aiyuk but is in no rush to do so.

Brock Purdy

The starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, who will have a new weapon in Mike Evans to target in the passing game.

Mike Evans

A veteran wide receiver who the 49ers signed in free agency this offseason to bolster their receiving corps.

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What they’re saying

“I don't have a date for it, but I know eventually it'll resolve itself. Hopefully, we could get something for [him]. And I know we're in no rush to do that. You've got to do what's right for the Niners, and you're not trying to hook up any other team as fast as you possibly can. Hopefully, we can get something for that, and it'll take care of itself.”

— Kyle Shanahan, Head Coach, San Francisco 49ers

What’s next

The 49ers will continue to explore trade options for Aiyuk this offseason, with the goal of getting the best value possible for the disgruntled receiver.

The takeaway

The 49ers' decision to move on from Aiyuk reflects their focus on maintaining a championship-caliber roster, even if it means parting ways with a talented but problematic player. By adding Mike Evans and keeping their core intact, the 49ers are positioning themselves for another deep playoff run.