The Cleveland Browns have received a warning when it comes to making a play for this star wide receiver.
The Cleveland Browns definitely need help in their receiving corps, and they are expected to address the issue via the NFL Draft.
It also wouldn't hurt for the Browns to add a veteran.
Cleveland wasn't able to add anyone of significance in free agency, which should not come as much of a surprise given the team's financial situation and the fact that free agents are not exactly flocking to play for the Browns.
But could Cleveland potentially explore the trade market?
One name that has been floated as a possibility for the Browns is Brandon Aiyuk, who appears to have played his final snap for the San Francisco 49ers.
Most assumed that the 49ers would simply release Aiyuk, but it seems as if San Francisco is actually trying to trade the 28-year-old, who signed a four-year, $120 million extension with the team before the start of the 2024 campaign.
While Aiyuk is a terrific player when healthy, he tore his ACL midway through 2024 and has not played since.
For that reason, Bleacher Report's Moe Moton — who feels that Cleveland is one of the top potential landing spots for Aiyuk — has warned the Browns about acquiring him.
San Francisco 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images."Of course, the Browns would need to do their homework on Aiyuk's rehab process before they strike a deal. He would also have to pass a team physical, which was an issue with signing defensive end A.J. Epenesa," Moton wrote.
The fact that Aiyuk hasn't played in a year-and-a-half is definitely concerning. During his last full season, he hauled in 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging 17.9 yards per catch. But that was all the way back in 2023.
Aiyuk's reasoning for not playing in 2025 was more due to his deteriorating relationship with the 49ers than his actual health, but because we have yet to see him on the field since the injury, Cleveland does need to be cautious.
It's hard to imagine that the cost to acquire Aiyuk would be too extravagant at this point.
Niners owner Jed York recently stated that he wouldn't rule out the Arizona State product ultimately playing for San Francisco in 2026, but that followed head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch essentially saying that Aiuyk was done in the Bay.
York's comments seemed like more of a strategy to get leverage in trade talks than anything else, because the 49ers don't really have any right now.
Aiyuk carries a $14.6 million cap hit for 2026, but that number balloons to $41.4 million in 2026 and $43.3 million in 2027.
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