Full Breakdown
Draft Deluge Sends Veteran Wide Receivers to the Trade Market
5/13/2026, 11:25:15 PM
Draft Fallout
- 36 wide receivers were selected in the 2026 draft, bringing the total to nearly 40.
- Teams used the draft to acquire younger, cheaper talent, prompting roster churn.
Youth Targeting
- The Eagles moved up to draft Makai Lemon to replace A.J. Brown.
- The Browns added KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston, keeping UDFA Isaiah Bond.
- San Francisco signed Mike Evans and drafted De’Zhaun Stribling after voiding Aiyuk’s guarantees.
- Steelers drafted Germie Bernard; Giants signed Malachi Fields and Darnell Mooney.
- The draft produced 36 WRs (?40 total); Aiyuk’s 2026 option bonus of $24.94 M is void, his salary would rise to $26 M if kept past Sept. 1, and cutting him after June 1 would cost the 49ers $2 M dead cap.
Veteran WR Outlook
- A.J. Brown (Eagles) is widely reported to be headed to New England.
- Brandon Aiyuk (49ers) will not play another snap for San Francisco; Washington Commanders have expressed interest.
- Cedric Tillman (Browns) has failed to meet expectations entering a contract year.
- Jalin Hyatt (Giants) has not recorded an NFL touchdown and may be moved.
- Roman Wilson (Steelers) missed his rookie season with a hamstring injury, recording 12 catches in 2025.
Official Responses
- Eagles GM Howie Roseman is reported to have assumed Brown would be traded, prompting the selection of Lemon.
- The 49ers placed Aiyuk on the “reserve/did not report” list, allowing daily fines while his salary stays off the roster.
- The Giants added Fields and Mooney, signaling a shift away from Hyatt.
Criticism
- Skeptics have questioned Jalin Hyatt’s technical abilities from a gimmicky college offense.
- Analysts call Aiyuk’s situation a “distraction” and a financial liability for San Francisco.
Conflicts & Gaps
- Some insiders say the 49ers will cut Aiyuk before Week 1 salary; others suggest a trade if Washington offers draft capital.
- Aiyuk has not spoken publicly about his health or desire to return, leaving his status unclear.
Quotes
- “It remains among the worst-kept secrets in the league that the Philadelphia Eagles are eventually planning to trade A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots this offseason.” — Sports Illustrated analysis
- “Brandon Aiyuk will not play another snap for the San Francisco 49ers.” — Sports Illustrated analysis
- “Everyone in the league knows they're going to have to eventually release him,” reported Dan Graziano. — ESPN
- “The 49ers currently hold the leverage of the ‘reserve/did not report’ list, which allows them to fine Aiyuk up to $50,000 per day without his salary counting against their 90-man roster.” — Riggosrag.com
Next Steps
- Trade talks for A.J. Brown with the Patriots are expected to continue before training camp.
- Washington may pursue Aiyuk via trade or wait for his release to negotiate a new contract.
- The Browns, Giants and Steelers face decisions on contract years for Tillman, Hyatt and Wilson ahead of the 2026 season.
