Brandon Aiyuk Could Be Answer to Saints’ WR Issues

The New Orleans Saints should have the San Francisco 49ers on the phone right now.

San Francisco has a talented wide receiver on the roster who isn't expected to stick around for the 2026 season. That is, of course, in reference to wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.

Aiyuk is a 28-year-old playmaker with the upside to be a team's No. 1 wide receiver when he is at his best, but things just seemingly fell apart between him and the 49ers. San Francisco has made it clear that Aiyuk won't be back, but he hasn't been released at this point.

The Athletic's Matt Barrows and Vic Tafur broke down the Aiyuk saga and noted that the 49ers don't Aiyuk anything until Sept. 1, so this saga isn't going to end anytime soon. They noted that the 49ers could cut him after the draft, but as of right now, there really is no reason to. If the 49ers are intent on looking for a return, the Saints should oblige and send San Francisco a late-round draft pick.

The Saints should give the 49ers a call right now

Oct 20, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) walks on the field before the start of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images | Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

Aiyuk is good enough to take a risk on. In 2023, he had 75 catches for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns. In 2024, he had 25 catches for 374 yards, but only was able to play in seven games. That 2023 season is why the Saints should take a chance on him. New Orleans needs a No. 2 receiver and Aiyuk absolutely has the talent to be that guy.

Moe Moton of Bleacher Report shared a column highlighting five landing spots for Aiyuk and the Saints unsurprisingly popped up on the list.

"The New Orleans Saints may have their franchise quarterback in Tyler Shough. Now, they must build around him," Moton wrote. "The Saints signed running back Travis Etienne Jr. to balance their offense with the ground attack, but they still need a solid No. 2 wide receiver. Although Keenan Allen may be a more appealing receiver acquisition because of his familiarity with head coach Kellen Moore from their time with the Los Angeles Chargers, Aiyuk could be the splash pickup who brings more juice to the Saints' passing attack.

"Chris Olave and Aiyuk can work well together, with the latter posing a consistent deep-downfield threat, which would allow Moore to open up the playbook. Shough could also show off his arm strength and accuracy."

In 2022, Aiyuk had 78 catches for 1,015 yards and eight touchdowns. So, he has two seasons under his belt with over 1,000 yards and four seasons overall with 740 or more yards.

If the 49ers are going to be moving on from Aiyuk anyway, New Orleans should do everything to get involved in the sweepstakes. If Aiyuk is released, there will surely be competition for his services. New Orleans shouldn't even let it get to that level. Offer the 49ers a late-round pick and then the team will be all set at receiver.