49ers GM John Lynch Confirms Brandon Aiyuk Trade Door Is Wide Open

David Gonzales-Imagn Images

49ers GM John Lynch Confirms Brandon Aiyuk Trade Door Is Wide Open

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Yagya Bhargava | Last updated Apr 26, 2026 7:34 PM ET

The NFL Draft has come and gone, and Brandon Aiyuk is still a San Francisco 49ers receiver. At least on paper. That may not last much longer, and 49ers general manager John Lynch isn't hiding it.

Lynch addressed the situation directly at his post-draft press conference on Saturday, making clear that San Francisco is open for business. He did not just say it on Saturday during his post-draft news conference. He held up his phone to prove the point, inviting interested teams to make the call.

"We're available. Give us a call," Lynch said, per NFL.com. "He's an extremely talented player. He's been an extremely effective player in our league — situation didn't work itself out here. That's not to say that it can't be rekindled somewhere else. And we'd be happy to do something with anyone if the opportunity presented itself."

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11)Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Hard to get more straightforward than that.

Where Things Stand for Brandon Aiyuk

The Washington Commanders have been the most frequently mentioned destination for Aiyuk, and his reported preference is to play alongside Jayden Daniels in Washington. But the deal hasn't come together, largely because the salary cap weight attached to his remaining three years makes it a complicated ask for any team.

San Francisco hasn't softened its stance on compensation either. The 49ers still hold all the leverage here. A roster bonus reportedly due September 1 gives them the runway to let this play out, and Lynch has shown no signs of rushing toward a release just to move on.

Aiyuk hasn't played since tearing his ACL in 2024, and the way the situation has unfolded hasn't done much to build confidence around a trade. Those are real concerns for any team weighing a move.

What Comes Next for The Star Wide Receiver

With the draft behind them, teams will start taking a harder look at their rosters. Some wide receiver rooms may not be where front offices want them heading into the season, and that could quietly bring new voices into the Aiyuk conversation.

If another team enters the picture with genuine interest, the Commanders could feel some heat to make a move before the window closes. Lynch's comments on Saturday felt like more than just an open door. They felt like a nudge.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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