Brandon Aiyuk’s time in San Francisco appears to be winding down, and if it ends with a move to Cleveland, well-there’s some irony in that.
The talented wideout spent the entire 2025 season away from the field, and his absence became a lingering storyline that hovered over the 49ers’ campaign like a stubborn cloud. For a team that’s been knocking on the Super Bowl door in recent years, the Aiyuk drama was an unwelcome distraction-and one that, frankly, many Niners fans are ready to leave behind.
Now, as the offseason heats up, attention is turning to where Aiyuk might land next. One prediction making the rounds comes from ESPN’s Ben Solak, who sees the Cleveland Browns as a potential landing spot for the former first-round pick. According to Solak, the Browns could offer Aiyuk both a bigger payday and a larger role-something that’s hard to argue with given their current receiver situation.
But let’s not gloss over the context here. Cleveland’s offense has been, to put it mildly, in a state of flux.
The Browns failed to eclipse five wins for the second straight season in 2025, and their quarterback situation remains murky at best. Shedeur Sanders is expected to return as the starter, but he’s still unproven at the NFL level.
That’s a far cry from the offensive ecosystem Aiyuk had in San Francisco, where he benefited from a creative scheme, a strong supporting cast, and a quarterback who could consistently deliver the football.
So yes, the Browns can offer opportunity. But opportunity without structure can be a tough sell-especially for a player who’s used to competing deep into January.
From the 49ers’ perspective, there’s work to be done regardless of Aiyuk’s next move. With both Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings potentially on their way out, the depth chart at wide receiver is looking thin. This is a team built to contend, and they’ll need to reload at the position if they want to keep pace with the NFC’s elite.
Still, there’s a certain poetic justice to the idea of Aiyuk heading to Cleveland. After all the back-and-forth, all the tension, and all the headlines, seeing him suit up for a franchise that’s struggled to find offensive rhythm might feel like a full-circle moment for some 49ers fans. Not out of malice-but maybe with a wry smile and a head shake.
The bottom line? Aiyuk’s talent isn’t in question.
He’s a dynamic playmaker when he’s on the field. But as the 49ers look to turn the page and the Browns continue their search for stability, this potential move says just as much about each organization’s trajectory as it does about the player himself.