Brandon Aiyuk’s Next Chapter? Why the Bills, Steelers, and Raiders Make Sense for the Veteran WR
Brandon Aiyuk’s time in San Francisco appears to be over. After missing the entire 2025 season-first recovering from a torn ACL, then landing on the reserve/left squad list in December-the writing’s on the wall.
General manager John Lynch didn’t mince words in his end-of-season press conference, signaling that Aiyuk has likely played his final snap in a 49ers uniform. And with San Francisco able to save $6 million by designating him as a post-June 1 cut, it’s not hard to see where this is headed.
The question now: where does Aiyuk go next?
Three teams stand out as potential landing spots-the Buffalo Bills, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Las Vegas Raiders. Each franchise has its own reasons to explore a move for the 27-year-old wideout, and while Aiyuk may no longer be a WR1-caliber player, there’s still reason to believe he can bring value in the right situation.
Buffalo Bills: A Much-Needed Boost for Josh Allen
Buffalo’s passing attack has leaned heavily on Josh Allen’s playmaking brilliance over the past two seasons. But since Stefon Diggs’ departure after the 2023 season, the Bills haven’t had a true go-to target. Aiyuk, even coming off injury and a down year, could be the most talented receiver Allen has worked with since Diggs.
Adding Aiyuk wouldn’t just give Allen another weapon-it could bring some much-needed consistency to a passing game that’s often relied too much on Allen’s improvisation. Aiyuk’s precise route-running and ability to create separation could open up the middle of the field and take some pressure off the quarterback to do everything himself. In the right role, Aiyuk could thrive as a complementary piece in a high-powered offense looking to stay in the Super Bowl conversation.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Building a Dynamic Duo with DK Metcalf
The Steelers’ wide receiver room is thin behind DK Metcalf. In 2025, Metcalf hauled in 59 catches over 15 games, while the rest of Pittsburgh’s receivers combined for just 77 receptions. That’s a clear signal that the Steelers need more firepower on the outside.
Enter Aiyuk. Pairing him with Metcalf would give Pittsburgh a versatile, high-upside one-two punch-something they haven’t had in years. Aiyuk’s skill set complements Metcalf’s vertical threat nicely; he’s a smooth operator underneath and in the intermediate game, which could be a huge asset for whoever takes the reins at quarterback in 2026.
This move wouldn’t just be about talent-it would be about balance. Aiyuk could help diversify the Steelers’ aerial attack, giving them more ways to move the chains and stretch defenses.
Las Vegas Raiders: Surrounding a Rookie QB with Weapons
The Raiders are widely expected to select Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. And if that’s the plan, then the next step is simple: build around him.
Las Vegas has the cap space to be aggressive this offseason, and adding a veteran receiver like Aiyuk could be a smart way to ease Mendoza’s transition to the NFL. Rookie quarterbacks need security blankets-reliable targets who can get open quickly and help move the offense. Aiyuk fits that mold.
He may not be the explosive playmaker he once was, but he’s still a polished route-runner with good hands and a knack for finding soft spots in coverage. For a team trying to set the tone in a new era, Aiyuk could be a stabilizing presence in the locker room and on the field.
What’s Left in the Tank?
There’s no ignoring the reality: Aiyuk didn’t play a single snap in 2025, and his exit from San Francisco wasn’t exactly smooth. His trade value has taken a hit, and it’s unlikely any team sees him as a No. 1 option at this stage of his career.
But that doesn’t mean he’s done.
A change of scenery might be exactly what Aiyuk needs to reboot his career. He’s still just 27.
He’s still got the tools to contribute. And in the right system, with the right supporting cast, he could be a valuable piece-especially for a team looking to make a playoff push or support a young quarterback.
Buffalo, Pittsburgh, and Las Vegas all check those boxes. Now it’s just a matter of who’s willing to take the shot.
Because while we may have already seen the peak of Brandon Aiyuk, that doesn’t mean he’s finished making an impact.