Brandon Aiyuk Rumors Swirl Again - But Are the Browns Really in the Mix This Time?
The Cleveland Browns are heading into a pivotal offseason, and there’s no mystery about one of their top priorities - they need help at wide receiver. Whether it's through the 2026 NFL Draft or the veteran market, Cleveland has to add firepower to a passing game that struggled to find consistency last season.
So, it’s no surprise that Brandon Aiyuk’s name is back in the conversation.
With San Francisco 49ers GM John Lynch confirming that Aiyuk has likely played his final snap in the Bay, the talented wideout is expected to hit the open market. And just like that, the Browns - who reportedly made a strong push for Aiyuk last offseason - are being linked to him once again.
Team insider Mary Kay Cabot recently added fuel to the fire during an appearance on 92.3 The Fan, noting that Browns GM Andrew Berry could revisit the Aiyuk pursuit. According to Cabot, Cleveland previously tried to trade for the 49ers star and Berry has a history of circling back on players he’s targeted before. That’s not just front-office speak - that’s a pattern.
But while the connection makes sense on paper, the reality might be a lot more complicated.
The Browns Tried Before - And Got Rejected
Let’s rewind to the summer of 2024. According to reports, the Browns made a serious offer for Aiyuk, putting Amari Cooper, a second-round pick, and a fifth-rounder on the table.
At the time, Aiyuk was in the middle of contract talks with the 49ers and wasn’t thrilled about the idea of being shipped to Cleveland. In fact, he reportedly made it clear he wouldn’t sign an extension if that trade went through.
That’s a pretty strong stance - and it raises questions about whether anything’s really changed.
Sure, a lot can shift in a season and a half. But Cleveland’s quarterback situation is still murky, and the offense remains a work in progress. If Aiyuk wasn’t interested in joining the Browns when he could’ve played under Kyle Shanahan - one of the league’s premier offensive minds - it’s fair to wonder whether he’d be any more enthusiastic now.
Aiyuk’s Fit in Cleveland: Talent vs. Timing
There’s no denying Aiyuk’s talent. He’s a dynamic route-runner with big-play ability and the kind of athleticism that stretches defenses. On the field, he checks every box the Browns are looking for in a top receiver.
But fit goes beyond X’s and O’s.
Aiyuk has shown he’s not afraid to speak his mind or push for what he wants, even if it means ruffling feathers. That’s not necessarily a bad thing - plenty of great receivers have that edge - but for a Browns team trying to stabilize its offensive identity, adding a high-profile personality with a history of pushing back could be risky.
This isn’t a locker room that can afford distractions. The Browns are building something, but they’re not quite there yet. Stability matters, especially at the skill positions, and especially with the uncertainty still surrounding the quarterback spot.
What’s Next for the Browns?
Cleveland’s front office knows the importance of giving their offense more weapons. Whether it’s through free agency, a trade, or the draft, expect the Browns to be aggressive in pursuing wide receiver help. That could mean targeting a veteran presence who brings leadership and consistency - not just highlight-reel plays.
Aiyuk is going to have plenty of suitors, and someone will likely pay a premium for his services. But unless something has dramatically shifted behind the scenes, it’s hard to see the Browns being a true contender in that race.
They’ve been down this road before - and the signs suggest it may not lead anywhere new.