The San Francisco 49ers face a difficult decision regarding star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk due to a recent contract provision that guarantees him $22.85 million. This significant financial commitment complicates potential trades, as the 49ers must account for this cap hit even if Aiyuk is moved. Despite his ACL and MCL injury sustained last season, he is expected to be a primary target, especially after Deebo Samuel's departure. General manager John Lynch remains optimistic about Aiyuk's future, emphasizing the team's commitment to him.

Ambitious trade proposals are heating up as the NFL draft approaches, with the San Francisco 49ers at the forefront of the speculation. ESPN's Bill Barnwell suggests a radical trade where the 49ers would swap wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and the 11th overall pick with the New England Patriots for the 4th overall selection and guard Cole Strange. This bold move would allow the 49ers to draft dual-threat standout Travis Hunter from Colorado.

Hunter's unique ability to excel as both a cornerback and a wide receiver makes him an enticing option for a team looking to solidify its roster. Under head coach Kyle Shanahan's offensive scheme and with defensive coordinator Robert Saleh's history of success in drafting top-tier defensive talent (like Sauce Gardner), Hunter could fill a critical gap for the 49ers while adding versatility to their strategy. Although this trade scenario appears far-fetched, it reflects the team's desire to get aggressive in the draft to secure impactful talent.

San Francisco 49ers GM John Lynch confirmed that a long-term contract extension for quarterback Brock Purdy is anticipated soon. Lynch expressed optimism about concluding negotiations before the offseason program begins in mid-April, despite no specific timeline being in place. Purdy, who earned a bargain salary while finishing fourth in MVP voting, is seeking a significant pay increase from his rookie deal. The 49ers are facing financial adjustments as they prepare for Purdy's potential extension, especially after losing key players this offseason.

In addition to Purdy's situation, Lynch provided updates on wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who is recovering from knee injuries. Aiyuk's health is progressing positively, and despite previous trade rumors, the 49ers expect him to remain with the team.

The Arizona Cardinals have had an interesting offseason, particularly concerning the San Francisco 49ers, their NFC West rivals. Trey Lance, the once-promising quarterback, has transitioned from the 49ers to the Dallas Cowboys and is now a free agent, potentially considering a stint in the CFL as NFL interest wanes. Meanwhile, oddsmakers project the 49ers to bounce back in 2025 with the highest win total in their division after a disappointing last season. Brandon Aiyuk continues to recover from a torn ACL, with indications that he may not return until midseason, complicating trade prospects due to a looming $22 million bonus.

The San Francisco 49ers appear set to retain wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk amid ongoing trade speculation. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the team is not expected to trade Aiyuk prior to his $22.85 million roster bonus being due on Tuesday. Despite previous holdout rumors linked to his contract negotiations following a stellar 2023 season, Aiyuk's position seems solid as the 49ers aim to keep him for the 2025 season.

Aiyuk, who missed the entire preseason last year, suffered a significant injury during the 2024 season, limiting him to just seven games. Now, with uncertainty surrounding his return to the field, the 49ers are leaning towards keeping their talented receiver rather than trading him away.