The Kansas City Chiefs entered the offseason after going 6-11 and missing the playoffs. With Patrick Mahomes recovering from a torn ACL, the Chiefs are looking to load up and return to being Super Bowl contenders.
Even if he can return in Week 1, Kansas City’s offense will be far from perfect. Last season, it ranked 20th in total yards per game (320.6) and 21st in points per game (21.3).
In eight games, Rashee Rice had the most targets (78) of any wide receiver. He hauled in 53 receptions for 571 yards and five touchdowns. Being without a true No. 1 receiving threat was a big reason for the Chiefs’ offensive struggles.
It’s a position they’re expected to address during the offseason. Ethan Woodie of NFL Trade Rumors labels the Chiefs as a potential destination for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (left) and head coach Andy Reid (right).Denny Medley-Imagn Images
“Aiyuk would be a serious floor-raiser for this offense, and it would let them focus their premier draft asset on the trenches, where they probably have bigger needs,” Woodie wrote. “If Aiyuk’s market is small enough, don’t be surprised if the Chiefs emerge as an opportunistic suitor.”
Combining his recovery from a torn ACL and broken relationship with the team, the wide receiver didn’t appear in any games in 2025. General manager John Lynch revealed that Aiyuk has likely already “played his last snap with the Niners.”
He appeared in only seven games in 2024 due to his ACL injury. 2023 was the last time he appeared in at least 16 games. However, he was impressive, hauling in 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns.
At 27 years old, his proven success makes him an intriguing option for a handful of teams, including the Chiefs. If it is through a trade, Kansas City would be inheriting a hefty contract. Aiyuk still has three seasons left on his four-year, $120 million contract.
However, an outright release is still on the table. ESPN’s Nick Wagoner reported the 49ers voided the 2026 guarantees in his contract after he “skipped multiple rehab sessions.” It would make him a free agent and cheaper to go after.