49ers Trade Of Brandon Aiyuk Option Now Dead Issue

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch said he has no regrets not being able to trade wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk this offseason. He is looking forward to seeing how productive the receiver can be once he is healthy.

When he is going to be healthy is the $120 million question.

Speaking at the NFL Annual Meeting, Lynch told the assembled media he has no qualms with Aiyuk still being on the roster and fulfilling his contract.

"There are no regrets," Lynch said. "We love Brandon Aiyuk as a football player. We did when we drafted him. We're excited to move forward with him."

The 49ers shopped Aiyuk last offseason as well, and had no takers. The 49ers will more than likely go to camp with Aiyuk if he is not dealt by Tuesday as his scheduled $22.85 million option bonus is to be paid. That would virtually put an end to any possibility or thoughts of a trade.

Aiyuk was injured during Week 7 of the 2024 season when he tore his ACL and MCL during a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He will have a long road back to recovery and should be available to the 49ers by midseason.

"But he did very well," Lynch said. "We're pleased with Brandon's progress. He's been working hard and got good reviews from Dr. [Neal] ElAttrache. That was a key marker, as I mentioned it would be. He did well."

Aiyuk is signed through the 2028 season. When he is finally healthy, his role with the 49ers could take on a more significant role due to the 49ers trading Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders earlier this offseason.

"We've always been interested in Brandon being a part of the Niners," Lynch said. "We made that decision when we signed him. It's good to hear that he's tracking well with his progress. He's working really hard to do so. And I fully expect Brandon Aiyuk will be a part of us moving forward."