October 6, 2024, Santa Clara, California, USA: NFL, American Football Herren, USA 2024: 49ers vs Jets: San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk 11 during pregame warmup at Levi s Stadium. His first game since signing his new contract o a four-year, million contract extension in August 2024, with million guaranteed. However, the 49ers recently voided the guaranteed money for the 2026 season due to Aiyuk not meeting contract requirements, an unusual situation that may lead to his departure from the team. Santa Clara USA - ZUMAk13_ 20241006_zap_k13_048 Copyright: xPaulxKurodax
October 6, 2024, Santa Clara, California, USA: NFL, American Football Herren, USA 2024: 49ers vs Jets: San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk 11 during pregame warmup at Levi s Stadium. His first game since signing his new contract o a four-year, million contract extension in August 2024, with million guaranteed. However, the 49ers recently voided the guaranteed money for the 2026 season due to Aiyuk not meeting contract requirements, an unusual situation that may lead to his departure from the team. Santa Clara USA - ZUMAk13_ 20241006_zap_k13_048 Copyright: xPaulxKurodax
Feb 16, 2026, 6:46 PM CUT
Brandon Aiyuk Hope Still Alive for Shedeur Sanders as Browns Hunt for Top WR
After initial upset, the Cleveland Browns can still rope in wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.
The San Fransico 49ers wide receiver is hitting free agency soon, and general manager John Lynch confirmed that Aiyuk would not return in the next season.
And as per Max Bible, "If Aiyuk hits free agency in March, which is likely, the Browns could potentially sign him on a one-year deal at a reasonable price, as he will need to rebuild his value for a long-term deal in the future."
SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 06: San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk 11 runs to the line during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA game between the Arizona Cardinals and the San Francisco 49ers on October 6, 2024 at Levi s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA. Photo by Matthew Huang/Icon Sportswire NFL: OCT 06 Cardinals at 49ers EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon241006152
SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 06: San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk 11 runs to the line during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA game between the Arizona Cardinals and the San Francisco 49ers on October 6, 2024 at Levi s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA. Photo by Matthew Huang/Icon Sportswire NFL: OCT 06 Cardinals at 49ers EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon241006152
The Browns’ offense was ranked 30th in the 2025 season and desperately needed better wide receivers to complement quarterback Sanders.
And although Aiyuk last played in 2024, his previous success speaks for itself. Before his season-ending knee injury, Aiyuk had made 75 receptions for 1,342 yards, seventh most in the NFL that season.
That's why with a one-year deal, Aiyuk can build a strong name for himself.
"In that scenario, Cleveland may also decide to use one of its first-round selections this April on a rookie receiver who can serve as a longer-term option for Shedeur Sanders, or whoever ends up playing quarterback for the Browns next season and beyond."
But there might be some threat from the Washington Commanders.
Jayden Daniels Drops Hints at Brandon Aiyuk Joining Him
"There's a couple of individuals that are out there. Maybe somebody from Arizona State, in my past... I don't want to give too much, but when that time comes, hopefully we can sign those types of players."
Daniels and Aiyuk played together at ASU in 2019. This was the year before the 49ers drafted Aiyuk. At the time, he had 65 receptions for 1,192 yards and eight touchdowns.
Daniels capped it off by saying, "I don't want to give too much, but when that time comes, hopefully we can sign those types of players."
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Written by
Akanksha Biradar
Edited by
Siddharth Shirwadkar