The Denver Broncos explored many avenues before the 2025 trade deadline, but they came away without making any moves. However, the Broncos may have been wise to keep their powder dry amid the potentially imminent availability of Brandon Aiyuk.
Despite his on-field talent, the San Francisco 49ers star has several red flags. They could keep him off the Broncos’ radar.
However, suggestions that he could be a fit have increased following the latest development.
Brandon Aiyuk Floated as Broncos Target
GettyBrandon Aiyuk #11 of the San Francisco 49ers looks on against the Arizona Cardinals.
“No idea what the contract would be, and there’s obviously some weirdness behind the scenes, but the Broncos should kick the tires on Brandon Aiyuk for 2026,” iHeart’s Zack Seagars posted on X on November 21. “This team needs juice on offense and Aiyuk is just two years removed from being a no-doubt top-10 WR.”
Aiyuk was the No. 25 overall pick in the 2020 draft by the 49ers. He has 4,305 yards and 25 touchdowns on 294 career receptions.
His production rose from 2021 through 2023, but that is just about where it gets complicated.
Aiyuk has not played this season. The 49ers placed him on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list with a knee injury suffered in Week 7 of the 2024 season. There were expectations that he could return by mid-season. He appears no closer to doing so, at least not with the 49ers.
That “weirdness” Seagars mentioned is the reason an arguable “top-10” wideout like Aiyuk on a perennial contender like the 49ers is even available.
Aiyuk and the 49ers turned heads, agreeing to amend the 2020 No. 25 overall pick’s contract.
What began as a contract hold-in strained Aiyuk’s relationship with 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan. Aiyuk ultimately got his extension and is signed through the 2028 season on a four-year, $120 million contract.
However, he and the 49ers made a move that has cleared a direct path for the two sides to part ways this coming offseason.
It significantly alters the math for potential suitors, such as the Broncos, on Aiyuk.
Brandon Aiyuk Heading for ‘Divorce’ From 49ers
Thearon W. Henderson/GettyBrandon Aiyuk #11 of the San Francisco 49ers warms up before a game against the New England Patriots.
The Broncos received a speculative connection to Aiyuk after The Athletic’s Dianna Russini and Michael Silver reported he and the 49ers are “headed for a stunning divorce”. Per the report, “multiple sources” believe the player’s relationship with the organization is beyond repair.
However, justified Aiyuk may feel or be, his actions during the ordeal have rubbed the 49ers the wrong way.
In response, the 49ers took financial action, voiding more than $24 million in 2026 guarantees.
“Aiyuk, sources say, has failed to attend meetings and declined to participate in other team activities in recent months, and the 49ers have grown increasingly frustrated with the receiver’s lack of communication,” Russini and Silver wrote on November 20.
“The 49ers, sources say, responded by voiding the guaranteed money in Aiyuk’s contract for 2026, asserting that the absences amounted to a failure to fulfill his contractual obligations. Aiyuk, according to multiple league sources, told NFL Players Association representatives that he did not want to fight the move via an official grievance. That would clear the way for his expected release at season’s end.”
Broncos Positioned to Take Prudent Approach
GettyDenver Broncos head coach Sean Payton looks on during a game against the Houston Texans.
The Broncos are fortunate that a decision on Aiyuk is not expected until the end of the 2025 season. That gives them more time to evaluate their situation, as well as him and his.
They have Courtland Sutton. A consummate team-first player, his holdout in 2024 ended by training camp. It eventually led to a four-year, $92 million extension. They also have emerging youngsters in Marvin Mims, Pat Bryant, and Troy Franklin.
Moreover, Broncos head coach Sean Payton and his staff value the group’s chemistry.
It could take convincing that what has unfolded with the 49ers would not occur in Denver for the Broncos to make a move on Aiyuk, whenever he becomes available.
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