The 49ers are reportedly prioritizing a trade over a release for Brandon Aiyuk, a move beat writers view as a strategic delay—and potentially a way to punish him for “quitting” on the team last season. While owner Jed York publicly praised Aiyuk’s talent, leadership remains firm on moving on due to a lack of interest from the coaching staff and a complete absence of budget space.

Despite the friction, Aiyuk just turned 28 and was hyper-efficient in 2023 posting 1342 receiving yards and 3.18 yards per route route (No. 3 among NFL wide receivers that season). He has yet to see the field since tearing his ACL and is the ultimate forgotten man in fantasy football. Acquiring him now in dynasty sets up a nice dip-and-flip the moment Aiyuk lands on a new franchise.