Should I Start Brandon Aiyuk?

Monday, April 20, 7:26 PM

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch said at his pre-draft press conference on Monday that he doesn't think there's a "high probability" that the team will trade disgruntled wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) during the 2026 NFL draft this weekend, according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic. However, Lynch said there's still a chance Aiyuk is traded, and the team has had talks with specific teams about a potential trade. The Niners are trying to see if they can get anything for the 28-year-old former first-rounder out of Arizona State. If they don't find a trade to their liking, they are expected to release Aiyuk, who missed all of the 2025 season due to a serious knee injury that he suffered early on in 2024. The Washington Commanders are a popular projected landing spot, as it would give him a chance to reunite with quarterback Jayden Daniels, whom he played with in college. Given Aiyuk's uncertain destination in 2026 while coming off a major knee injury, he's a true wild card that will be cheap for fantasy managers in drafts later this year.