The Kansas City Chiefs may be circling a different answer at wide receiver as the trade deadline approaches, and Brandon Aiyuk has emerged as the name to watch.
Kansas City’s passing game has hit a rough patch after a strong start to the year, when Kenneth Walker III’s ground production helped create cleaner looks through the air. That balance has faded lately, and Tyquan Thornton’s injury has only made the receiver room look thinner. The Chiefs have also been linked to free agent Tyreek Hill as he works his way back from a major knee injury, but NFL analyst Wajih AlBaroudi says Aiyuk should be the move instead if Kansas City wants a proven target for Patrick Mahomes.
Aiyuk has been making his case to get back on the field. He recently visited the San Francisco 49ers facility with his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, after spending about 25 months recovering from a serious knee injury. Aiyuk says he believes the rehab is behind him and that he is ready to return.
“I’m feeling great, feeling healthy,” Aiyuk said. “It was a long recovery process, a long rehab process, but I’m back to 100% and looking to get reinstated to the National Football League.”
The 49ers have already terminated Aiyuk’s contract and removed the remaining $27 million in guarantees after he stopped attending his knee rehabilitation check-ups. San Francisco is still trying to recover $13 million in bonus money it previously paid him. Once that issue is settled, the expectation is that the 49ers will release him.
That’s where Kansas City could enter the picture. If Aiyuk becomes available, the Chiefs would have a chance to add an experienced receiver without surrendering draft picks.
AlBaroudi made the case that Aiyuk fits what Kansas City needs right now. “The Chiefs have needed a receiver with Aiyuk’s ability ever since Tyreek Hill walked out the door, particularly after Tyquan Thornton went down after a promising start this season,” he wrote.
He also pointed to the way defenses have started to clamp down on Kansas City’s offense. “Defenses are beginning to contain Kenneth Walker III with the Kansas City passing offense not exactly keeping them honest, so Aiyuk could remedy that issue.”
There is still another possible route for San Francisco before Tuesday’s deadline. ESPN’s Nick Wagoner reported the 49ers could continue to explore a trade, though a release remains the likelier outcome if no partner emerges.
Rosenhaus said his client is ready now.
“Fortunately, he’s feeling good physically. He’s healthy. He’s ready to get back to work,” Rosenhaus said.
For the Chiefs, that leaves one more intriguing name in play as they search for help at receiver.
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