Why 49ers are trying to trade Brandon Aiyuk during NFL Draft
TL;DR
The San Francisco 49ers are attempting to trade wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk during the NFL Draft. This comes after Aiyuk's struggles with injuries, including a torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus that have sidelined him since the 2024-25 season.
Key points
- 49ers selected De’Zhaun Stribling with the No. 33 overall pick
- Team is trying to trade Brandon Aiyuk during NFL Draft
- Aiyuk has not played since suffering multiple knee injuries
Why 49ers are trying to trade Brandon Aiyuk during NFL Draft originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The San Francisco 49ers opened the second round/day of the NFL Draft by selecting Mississippi State wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling with the No. 33 overall pick.
There was speculation that the 49ers could trade the pick to the Arizona Cardinals or the Buffalo Bills, but ultimately the franchise elected to keep the selection. Shortly after Roger Goodell announced the pick, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that San Francisco is holding out hope that they’ll find a trade suitor for disgruntled wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.
“49ers still hoping and trying to trade WR Brandon Aiyuk,” Schefter wrote on X/Twitter.
The Aiyuk situation in San Francisco has been a complete mess, which explains why the franchise is trying to wash its hands of the former All-Pro. After starting his NFL career on a positive note, Aiyuk suffered a torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus in his right knee during the 2024-25 season, and hasn’t played for the 49ers since.
The Arizona State product has been away from the organization for months, and with him being linked to various franchises in need of an instant impact wideout and San Francisco expressing zero desire to retain him, a trade appears imminent.
Of course, the 49ers must receive an offer for Aiyuk that resonates with them, but there’s no question that the organization would love to move on from him as soon as possible.
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Q&A
Why are the 49ers trying to trade Brandon Aiyuk?
The 49ers are looking to trade Brandon Aiyuk due to his ongoing injury issues and the team's desire to move on from the situation.
What injuries has Brandon Aiyuk suffered?
Brandon Aiyuk has suffered a torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus in his right knee, which has kept him off the field since the 2024-25 season.
Which teams were speculated to trade for Brandon Aiyuk?
Speculation included potential trades with the Arizona Cardinals and the Buffalo Bills during the NFL Draft.
