In a recent survey conducted by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, NFL executives, coaches, and scouts ranked the top 10 players at various positions, and San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk made the list at No. 10. However, Aiyuk’s season took a harsh turn when he suffered ACL and MCL injuries, which ultimately ended his year prematurely in October.
Currently in recovery, Aiyuk is not anticipated to be ready for the start of the 2025 NFL season. Prior to his injury, he had difficulty matching the performance of his breakout season in 2023 where he achieved a career-high 1,342 receiving yards. His struggles, combined with the serious nature of his knee injury, resulted in his exclusion from the 2025 rankings.
Fowler noted that Aiyuk had signed a substantial four-year, $120 million contract extension with the 49ers in August but could not maintain the necessary level of performance due to his sustained injuries. Before the injury, Aiyuk had recorded 25 catches for 374 yards but was without a touchdown when he suffered the injury against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 7.
Speculation surrounding Aiyuk’s potential trade has been prevalent, particularly after his injury. However, teams may be reluctant to pursue a deal with a player recovering from a significant injury. The uncertain timeline for his return — with the possibility of starting the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list — adds complexity to any trade discussions.
Should Aiyuk find himself on the PUP list, he would miss at least the first four games of the 2025 season, with a likely return not expected until Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Currently, reports indicate positive progress in his rehabilitation. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see if Aiyuk can bounce back and reclaim his place among the top wide receivers in the league.
As Aiyuk continues his recovery, there remains hope that he will return to form and contribute significantly to the 49ers’ offense, reclaiming his status as an elite player in the league. The journey back may be challenging, but his talent and determination could drive him to overcome these obstacles.