Feb. 12, 2026, 9:15 p.m. PT
The San Francisco 49ers never got the opportunity to see what their 2025 offense looked like with Brandon Aiyuk lining up at wide receiver, as the 27-year-old began the year on the PUP list due to his injury and later completely left the team.
As a result of his actions, the 49ers voided Aiyuk’s guarantees and have indicated that they will look to move on from the wide receiver before the start of the 2026 season.
If Aiyuk is released, there were certainly be teams interested in him, despite the last year of private and public issues between the former first-round pick and the team that brought him into the NFL.
Earlier this week, CBS Sports’ Jordan Dajani published his list of “crazy 2026 NFL offseason predictions,” which included Aiyuk finding a new team in free agency.
“The Los Angeles Chargers are undergoing a change in offensive philosophy in swapping Greg Roman for Mike McDaniel at coordinator,” Dajani wrote. “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. Following his release from the San Francisco 49ers, Aiyuk will sign with the Chargers to help Justin Herbert reach that next level…  In L.A., Aiyuk finds an offense ready to take off.”
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.
We’ve seen what the 49ers offense looked like without Aiyuk this year, and it was ugly. If they do commit to moving on from him fully, they’ll need to address the position with a top free agent signing of their own or a high draft pick.
The 49ers are also set to host the Chargers at home next year, which would mean that Aiyuk would have a chance at a “revenge game” at Levi’s Stadium in 2026.
More 49ers: 49ers report card: Grading how San Francisco’s DL performed in 2025