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The Browns are not expected to be interested in Brandon Aiyuk.
The Cleveland Browns are looking to bolster their wide receiver unit. However, Brandon Aiyuk isn’t expected to be on the team’s radar.
As of now, Aiyuk is still a member of the San Francisco 49ers. However, it appears more of a when, not if, for when he becomes a free agent or is traded.
“I think it’s safe to say that he’s played his last snap with the Niners,” 49ers general manager John Lynch said in January.
Cleveland’s interest in Aiyuk dates back to 2024, when the Browns made an aggressive push to acquire the then-26-year-old wideout from San Francisco. Reports indicated the Browns were willing to send then No. 1 receiver Amari Cooper, a second-round pick and a fifth-round pick to the 49ers — a package San Francisco had reportedly agreed to — pending Aiyuk’s sign-off. He never gave it.
“The hold up with Cleveland all along has been Brandon Aiyuk’s willingness to accept a trade to the Browns,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter said at the time. “The contract would’ve been done there if he wanted to go. The compensation would’ve been done there if he wanted to go.”
Browns to Turn to Draft for Wide Receiver Help
Aiyuk ultimately chose to stay in the Bay Area, signing a four-year, $120 million extension with the 49ers in August 2024. It’s a deal that prolonged the drama rather than resolved it.
Aiyuk tore his ACL and MCL in October 2024 and opened last season on the Physically Unable to Perform list while rehabbing. He did not play last season and stopped attending meetings and declined to participate in other team activities. San Francisco responded by voiding the guaranteed money in his 2026 contract, asserting his absences amounted to a failure to fulfill his contractual obligations.
Considering the recent drama around Aiyuk, the Browns are not looking to add him to the roster, per Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com.
“Drafting one seems the most likely route, with so many good ones in this class, and the Browns having three picks in the first 39,” Cabot said. “I don’t see them pursuing 49ers’ mercurial receiver Brandon Aiyuk, whom they’ve pursued in the past.”
Browns Have Multiple WR Draft Options
There’s no shortage of wide receiver talent at the top of this year’s draft, and the Browns are well-positioned to take advantage. Armed with the No. 6 overall pick and an additional first-rounder at No. 24 — acquired in last year’s trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars — Cleveland has flexibility to address multiple needs.
While bolstering the offensive line remains a priority, Cabot noted she wouldn’t be surprised if the Browns make a statement early by selecting a wide receiver with their first pick.
“The Browns aren’t compelled to pick a receiver high in the draft, but they’re certainly open to drafting one in the first round based on the value of the position and the quality of prospects in this strong receiver class,” Cabot said. “If they remain at No. 6 or trade back, they’ll undoubtedly consider Ohio State’s Carnell Tate, Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson, and USC’s Makai Lemon among their many candidates in the first round.”
Jerry Jeudy is expected to return as Cleveland’s top option. Isaiah Bond and Cedric Tillman will also be in the mix.
J.R. DeGroote JR DeGroote is a staff writer for Heavy.com, where he has covered the NFL, NBA, and trending sports stories since 2019. His work focuses on some of the most passionate fanbases in sports, including reporting on the Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Lakers. More about J.R. DeGroote
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