One of the biggest “What-Ifs” in today’s NFL world, Brandon Aiyuk. Here’s a quick recap of Aiyuk’s activity in the NFL after signing a contract extension with the 49ers. In 2024, Aiyuk signed a 4-year $120m extension, making him one of the highest paid WRs in the league at the time. In October of the same year, Aiyuk tears his ACL/MCL, ending his season early. Fast forward to 2025, Aiyuk stops participating in team workouts and practices, ultimately going MIA in San Francisco. In late November of 2025, the 49ers organization voided the remaining guaranteed money for 2026, making it a lot easier to move on from Aiyuk. Technically, Aiyuk is still under contract and is seeking his release from the 49ers, but after his antics from last year, does any NFL organization want to risk pulling the trigger on him? I don’t think there’s a world where Brandon Aiyuk plays another snap in the NFL, but there’s no denying it would be entertaining to have an AB part 2 occur. If Aiyuk didn’t go MIA and was released from the 49ers, what teams would he impact and instantly make Super Bowl contenders? Here is Top 3 locations for Aiyuk.

 

1 – Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars would honestly be my favorite spot for Aiyuk to land. Giving TLaw another star in Aiyuk to pair up with Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter would be tough to stop. The addition of Aiyuk would open more opportunities across the entire field, forcing defenses to “pick their poison.” Double Aiyuk, and BTJ gets favorable matchups. Roll coverage toward BTJ, and Aiyuk is capable of separating 1 on 1 coverage. Throw Travis Hunter into the mix, Jacksonville suddenly has one of the most versatile and explosive receiving groups in the league. This would be a situation where Jacksonville would be putting up 30+ a game, taking tons of pressure off their defense in meaningful games. If Aiyuk were able to wipe his slate clean and prove he isn’t just about the money, the Jaguars would be a hard squad to beat deep into the year.

2 – Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers would honestly be a true fit for Aiyuk (if none of his antics occurred last year lol). Adding Aiyuk to Green Bay would be deadly for this offense. Watson covering the deep part of the field, Reed and Golden running mesh across the middle, Kraft picking apart LBs for lunch, then Aiyuk open in 1 on 1 coverage. The addition of Aiyuk into this offense would create so many layers and cause mayhem for opposing defenses for 60 straight minutes. If I was in Green Bay’s front office, I would consider signing Aiyuk but STRICTLY on incentives. The more he shows up, plays, and performs, the more money he will make. Give him like $5mil guaranteed over 2 years but another $40mil incentivized to show up and compete. Would be a movie #GoPackGo.

3 – Pittsburgh Steelers

To me, the Pittsburgh Steelers only have 1 true threat at WR in DK Metcalf. Michael Pittman Jr. was a good signing the Steelers grabbed this off-season, but outside of those 2, their WR room is nothing special. Brandon Aiyuk would immediately give Pittsburgh another reliable playmaker who can win at every level of the field. Defenses are already forced to key in on Metcalf every snap, where Aiyuk’s route running and ability to create separation would make the Steelers offense run more efficiently. Pairing those 3 guys together would give the Steelers one of the more well-rounded receiving groups in the AFC. The Steelers are one of those teams that can win games only putting up 20 points per game because of their stellar defense, so adding Aiyuk to that offense would be scary for the AFC.

Brandon Aiyuk’s NFL future has become more dramatic than half the league’s quarterback situations, and I’m here for it. So naturally, I did what any rational football fan would do—ignored salary caps and common sense to figure out which teams would be the most fun to watch with Aiyuk on their roster. These fits are clearly fiction because his tenure is over so either way, let’s overreact together. Cheers!

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~ Coach Tales