Feb. 11, 2026, 10:32 a.m. PT

The Chargers have been linked to 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk in a wild offseason prediction.

CBS Sports’ Jordan Dajani believes the arrival of Mike McDaniel to Los Angeles could spur a significant change to the Bolts’ receiving corps.

“The Los Angeles Chargers are undergoing a change in offensive philosophy in swapping Greg Roman for Mike McDaniel at coordinator. It’s clear that the Chargers need to upgrade the depth on the offensive line, but they could be in the market for a new weapon, too,” Dajani wrote.

“Following his release from the San Francisco 49ers, Aiyuk will sign with the Chargers to help Justin Herbert reach that next level. Aiyuk turns 28 in March, and missed all of last season as he recovered from the torn ACL suffered in October 2024. It’s worrisome that the 49ers had to void the remaining guarantees on the four-year, $120 million extension Aiyuk signed in 2024 after he ghosted the franchise, but now, he’s motivated to resurrect his career and show everyone he’s still an elite wideout.”

After the events that transpired in the Bay last season, Aiyuk’s tenure with the 49ers seems over. The team will likely trade or release the former Arizona State product after June 1 in order to manage dead cap space.

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That could leave the door open for the Chargers.

What Wide Receivers Do the Chargers Currently Have?

The Chargers’ receiving corps is comprised of Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, Tre Harris, and KeAndre Lambert-Smith. Last season, the offense lacked a dominant difference-maker on the receiving end.

While McConkey led the team in receptions and Keenan Allen proved to be a reliable veteran option for Justin Herbert, the Chargers didn’t have a true WR1.

Aiyuk certainly fits the bill if the Bolts are looking for a veteran wideout to spruce up the offense. Mike McDaniel worked with Aiyuk in 2020 and 2021 when they were with the 49ers. McDaniel’s offense is a motion-heavy scheme emphasizing yards after the catch and mismatches, which plays to Aiyuk’s strengths.

In 2023, Aiyuk caught 75 passes for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns in the 49ers’ Super Bowl run.