With the NFL trade deadline behind them, teams looking to strengthen their rosters have fewer options. One possibility is to sign an available player, while another is to wait for someone to return from injury. Brandon Aiyuk could soon enter the conversation: after nearly a year of trying to leave the San Francisco 49ers, he is expected to be released.
Aiyuk’s potential availability comes with considerable uncertainty. He has not played since appearing in seven games in 2024, and questions remain about whether he is ready to return to the field. Even so, he is 28 and was named a Second-Team All-Pro. A team might decide that the potential reward is worth a low-risk opportunity, possibly beginning with a place on its practice squad.
Here are eight teams that could have reason to consider signing him.
## Indianapolis Colts
The Colts’ receiving group has become thinner after the team traded Keenan Allen and Josh Downs. That leaves quarterback Daniel Jones with fewer established options and gives the players still on the roster a chance to show they can be part of the team’s longer-term plans.
Seventh-round rookie Deion Burks is among those who could benefit from the opportunity. But Indianapolis may still need additional help, particularly if its current receivers are not part of the team’s plans when the 2027 season begins.
Aiyuk would not necessarily become the Colts’ No. 1 receiver right away. If he can return to form, however, he could have a path toward a prominent role in a receiving corps with room to develop.
## Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals have lost two important receiving options. They traded Marvin Harrison Jr. a few weeks ago and also lost Michael Wilson to a season-ending injury.
That leaves third-round rookie quarterback Carson Beck with fewer weapons as Arizona evaluates his abilities. Adding a receiver could give Beck more support and help the team assess his performance with a stronger group around him.
Aiyuk could also have an added personal motivation in Arizona: an opportunity to face the 49ers again after his difficult departure from San Francisco. Whether that would influence his decision is unclear, but the Cardinals have a potential need at the position.
## New York Giants
The Giants could use more help at receiver as they continue their push for the playoffs. Malik Nabers has established himself as a dominant option, while third-round rookie Malachi Fields is expected to keep getting opportunities. As a rookie, however, Fields may not yet be a dependable choice in the biggest moments.
Coach John Harbaugh could decide that Aiyuk is worth considering despite the issues that have kept him out of action. Aiyuk’s past performance offers reason to believe he could still be a high-level player, though any team signing him would need to weigh that potential against the uncertainty surrounding his return.
## Washington Commanders
Washington may be one of the most natural landing spots. Aiyuk could reunite with quarterback Jayden Daniels, his college teammate, and Daniels may be able to provide the team with insight into Aiyuk’s character.
The Commanders also need more help at receiver. If Aiyuk can regain his previous level of play, Washington could benefit from adding a talented player without giving up draft compensation. The signing would still carry risk, but it could give the team a chance to strengthen its receiving group at a low point in Aiyuk’s market.
## Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers explored ways to upgrade their receiving corps before the trade deadline but did not make a move. It is not clear whether the potential asking prices were too high or whether the team felt confident about the contributions of Roman Wilson and Michael Pittman.
Aiyuk could give Pittsburgh another option with considerable upside. If he is healthy and ready to play, he would bring a level of past production and ability that could make him one of the most talented receivers on the roster. The Steelers would need to determine whether he can contribute after his extended absence.
## Green Bay Packers
Jordan Love is playing at an MVP-candidate level, while Christian Watson and Matthew Golden are showing why they were selected in the first round. Even with those options, the Packers could use another receiver after Jayden Reed’s injury.
Aiyuk might find the opportunity to play with Love appealing, particularly in an offense that offers chances to make plays through the air. Green Bay could be a useful short-term destination if the team wants to add depth without making a trade.
The challenge for Aiyuk would be the competition for a lasting role. With Watson and Golden establishing themselves, he may have a less direct path to becoming a long-term fixture in the Packers’ receiving corps.
## Los Angeles Rams
The Rams are currently short on receivers, although Puka Nacua and Davante Adams may not be sidelined for much longer. In the meantime, quarterback Matthew Stafford needs available targets, and Aiyuk could be considered as a potential addition.
Los Angeles could give him a chance to work his way back into a meaningful role. If he performs well, there may also be an opportunity to become part of the team’s core and earn a new contract for 2027. As with any possible signing, that would depend on his health, readiness and ability to contribute.
## Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks looked at the receiver market before the deadline for a second consecutive year. Their moves last season brought Rashid Shaheed to Seattle, but he has not been able to find a consistent connection with Sam Darnold amid the quarterback’s struggles.
Seattle did not add a receiver at this year’s deadline, but that does not rule out another move. Signing Aiyuk would allow the Seahawks to consider adding a third receiver without giving up draft compensation. Whether he could make an immediate impact would depend on how quickly he can return to playing shape, but the team could have reason to explore the possibility.
