Brandon Aiyuk has not played in an NFL game since October 2024. That’s when the receiver tore his ACL, but that injury isn’t the reason Aiyuk is away from the team.
The wide receiver and the team have been battling for over a year over how Aiyuk handled his injury rehab. The 49ers voided the receiver’s guarantees and moved him to the left reserve/left team list in 2025 after he skipped multiple rehab sessions.
Ever since then, Aiyuk has refused to do anything with the team, and he’s demonstrated bizarre behavior. Aiyuk made it known he wanted to play with college teammate Jayden Daniels on the Washington Commanders but then decided to attack Daniels on social media.
The Commanders have since signed Stefon Diggs, anyway, so it’s safe to say that’s no longer a realistic landing spot. Where could Aiyuk go then? The receiver has almost no trade value, so he may have to wait until the 49ers decide to release him.
Either way, let’s look at three teams who could be make sense for Aiyuk.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs are hoping to rebound after missing the playoffs in 2025. As a result, they’re probably open to any and all players who could theoretically help them in that goal.
The Chiefs’ top receivers are Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, and Tyquan Thornton. Rice has off-field issues, Worthy can’t stay healthy, and Thornton is nothing more than an occasional deep threat. Aiyuk would immediately be the most accomplished receiver on the team, and I sure he’d have no problem playing with Patrick Mahomes.
The Chiefs have the type of culture that allows them to succeed on the fall despite having distractions. This could be a good spot for Aiyuk to revive his career.
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins have the worst receiver room in the league. The team is relying on Malik Washington, Jalen Tolbert, and Caleb Douglas to start, when none of those three should be a top option.
As a result, the Dolphins are a logical landing spot for Aiyuk simply because they need bodies. Aiyuk would probably be open to this idea because he would unquestionably be the top option. This would be a perfect chance for the receiver to revive his value, and he could try to latch on elsewhere the following season.
The Dolphins aren’t in a position to give up assets for a disgruntled veteran, but why not take a swing if he gets cut? The Dolphins have had big personalities at receiver before.
Las Vegas Raiders
Finally, we have the Raiders. Like the Dolphins, the Raiders have an abysmal receiver room, and they simply need capable players. Aiyuk was also born and raised in Nevada, so he probably wouldn’t mind going home.
Las Vegas would likely be more intriguing for Aiyuk than Miami. As mentioned above, it’s home for the veteran, and he’d get to catch passes from either a solid veteran in Kirk Cousins or an exciting rookie in Fernando Mendoza.
Like the Dolphins, the Raiders will probably be very bad, so they won’t want to give anything up for the receiver. If he becomes a free agent, though, why not try it out?
