How 49ers-Commanders Brandon Aiyuk trade rumors are impacted by NFL Draft

TL;DR

Brandon Aiyuk's trade rumors are influenced by the ongoing 2026 NFL Draft, involving the San Francisco 49ers and Washington Commanders. Draft picks are highly valued assets that could facilitate a trade during this period.

Key points

Brandon Aiyuk is currently with the San Francisco 49ers.
Washington Commanders are linked to Aiyuk in trade rumors.
2026 NFL Draft is ongoing and influences trade discussions.
Draft picks are popular assets for trades in the NFL.
Trading is easier during the draft due to clearer pick values.

Brandon AiyukSan Francisco 49ersWashington Commanders

How 49ers-Commanders Brandon Aiyuk trade rumors are impacted by NFL Draft originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Brandon Aiyuk saga still might have a ways to go.

But it's worth revisiting as the 2026 NFL Draft is ongoing for his current team, the San Francisco 49ers, and the team most connected to him in trade rumors, the Washington Commanders.

Draft picks are some of the NFL's most popular traded assets, and they're easier to trade when the draft is actually happening, because that's the easiest time to assess the value of a given pick.

So could a trade be coming?

2026 NFL DRAFT HQ:Live tracker | Pick-by-pick grades | Best players still available

It's not that simple. The 49ers don't have much incentive to do anything but wait for a trade offer they like, but the Commanders don't have much incentive to offer a trade.

San Francisco isn't in a rush to release Aiyuk, because he has no more guaranteed money on his deal.

Washington probably doesn't think Aiyuk is worth any draft picks in a trade because he just sat out the entire season and comes with obvious risk for mindset reasons.

Q&A

How does the 2026 NFL Draft affect Brandon Aiyuk's trade rumors?

The ongoing NFL Draft increases the likelihood of trades as teams assess the value of draft picks, which are key assets in potential deals.

Which teams are involved in the Brandon Aiyuk trade rumors?

The San Francisco 49ers, Aiyuk's current team, and the Washington Commanders, the team most connected to him in trade discussions, are involved.

What makes draft picks valuable in NFL trades?

Draft picks are considered valuable because they allow teams to acquire new talent and can be easier to trade during the draft when their value is clearer.