Ravens Poised to Pursue WR Brandon Aiyuk Amid Lamar Jackson Restructure

Baltimore has freed up significant salary cap space to potentially sign the 49ers wide receiver.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Baltimore Ravens have restructured quarterback Lamar Jackson's contract, freeing up nearly $40 million in salary cap space. This move could allow the team to pursue San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who is expected to be released this offseason.

Why it matters

The Ravens have lacked a true deep threat for Jackson, and Aiyuk could provide that dynamic element to their passing attack. Aiyuk is a talented receiver who has put up impressive numbers when healthy, making him an enticing free agent target for Baltimore.

The details

Aiyuk has 294 receptions for 4,305 yards and 25 touchdowns in his 69 career games since 2020. However, he has been mostly sidelined since October 2024 due to injury, tearing his ACL, MCL, and meniscus. The 49ers are expected to release Aiyuk, as they have continued to win without him on the field and can take the financial load off their books.

  • The Ravens restructured Lamar Jackson's contract in March 2026.
  • Aiyuk is expected to be released by the 49ers this offseason.

The players

Lamar Jackson

The Ravens' starting quarterback who recently had his contract restructured, freeing up significant salary cap space for the team.

Brandon Aiyuk

A wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers who is expected to be released this offseason due to injury and contract issues.

Trey Hendrickson

An edge rusher for the Ravens who the team was able to free up cap space for by restructuring Lamar Jackson's contract.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Aiyuk has 294 receptions for 4,3045 yards and 25 touchdowns in 69 career games since 2020, but he has been mostly sidelined since October 2024 due to injury.”

— Matthew Davis, Author (newsweek.com)

“Aiyuk landed a four-year, $120 million contract with the Niners, which paid him $76 million guaranteed. The Niners can take the financial load off by releasing him, as the team has kept winning without him on the field.”

— Matthew Davis, Author (newsweek.com)

What’s next

The Ravens will need to navigate free agency competition to sign Aiyuk, who could provide a much-needed deep threat for Lamar Jackson's passing attack.

The takeaway

The Ravens' restructuring of Lamar Jackson's contract has opened up significant salary cap space, allowing the team to potentially pursue a talented wide receiver like Brandon Aiyuk to bolster their offense and give Jackson another dynamic playmaker to target.