“We expect fully that Aiyuk will be a part of us moving forward,” 49ers GM John Lynch declared last week, his tone as steady as a Joe Montana two-minute drill. The player had earned a big contract after catching 75 passes for 1,342 yards and scoring seven touchdowns in 2023. But in the NFL, expectations sometimes crumble faster than a rookie QB’s pocket presence. You see, while Lynch was busy penciling Brandon Aiyuk into San Francisco’s 2025 plans, head coach Kyle Shanahan was reportedly scribbling exit strategies in the margins. Here’s what’s going on:

Aiyuk, the $120M receiver with 4,305 career yards and a freshly torn ACL (right knee), now finds himself trapped in a game of contractual limbo—and Shanahan’s playbook might include a shocking twist. The 27-year-old managed just 25 catches for 374 yards and zero touchdowns through seven games before his 2024 season ended in October. A drop in his production, injury issues, and uncertainty around his 2025 availability have led to diminishing interest in him. Low interest in him, plus rumors that the 49ers are looking to trade him, could be a bad situation for the player.

For instance, FOX Sports has opined that because the team already paid Aiyuk a $22.8 million bonus (and the timeframe for the team to trade him closed on April 1), a trade was unlikely but not impossible. FOX’s Ralph Vacchiano listed him as a player who could be moved around the 2025 NFL Draft. He has only $29 million left in guaranteed money. But no, things don’t end here. Trade rumors got more rampant after San Francisco signed a deal with veteran wide receiver Chosen Anderson, and these whispers also connected Aiyuk to the Steelers. Regardless, traded or not, Aiyuk will have to make a strong comeback. While Shanahan has not shut down the player’s week 1 return, it looks like Aiyuk might make a mid-season entry. Even ESPN’s Adam Schefter had a similar opinion.

While the 49ers are experiencing a financial reset this offseason, their aim moving forward will be a healthier long-term salary cap; Especially since QB Brock Purdy is scheduled to earn a fat contract. And in order to create more space financially, they even traded Deebo Samuel to Washington. They did this despite a significant dead cap hit. So if you think the front office won’t pull the trigger for Aiyuk simply because the action will result in nearly $38 million in dead cap, a surprise could be waiting (if he is traded before June 1).

Meanwhile, Aiyuk’s camp sweats. His $76M guaranteed once felt like dynasty cement. Now? It’s a ticking clock, but on the other hand, there are other things that have grabbed the team’s attention. What is it?

Purdy & Shanahan’s outcast: Keenan Allen’s redemption arc

While Aiyuk’s future flickers, Shanahan’s already scripting a new subplot: Purdy + Allen = offensive alchemy. Let’s set the scene.

Allen, the Chargers’ all-time receptions leader (974 catches, 11,274 yards), got cast away by Chicago. The Bears handed his No. 13 to Maurice Alexander—a move as subtle as a pick-six in overtime. Cue the NFL rumor mill: “Keenan Allen is not expected to return to the Bears. The Chargers and 49ers could be possible destinations.”

Shanahan’s ears perked up. Allen, even at 33, is a route-running savant. Despite catching passes from a rookie QB in Chicago’s dumpster-fire offense, he racked up 744 yards and 7 TDs in 2024. “Run it back turbo,” former Chargers teammate Mike Williams posted on IG, tagging Allen. Even Jim Harbaugh, tighter-lipped than a goal-line formation, cracked: “Make $23M a year and play in Chicago? Who’s got it better?”

But Shanahan will try to have the player on his team. For the HC, this is a necessity. With Aiyuk’s health shaky and Deebo gone, Allen’s a Swiss Army knife. Remember 2019? Emmanuel Sanders arrived mid-season, and Purdy’s predecessor, Jimmy G, suddenly looked MVP-caliber. Allen’s crisp curls and slants could unlock Purdy’s deep-ball potential.

Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers’ 2025 blueprint? High risk, high-reward. Trade Aiyuk’s rehab timeline for Allen’s veteran savvy. Delay Purdy’s payday to fund a win-now roster. And pray Christian McCaffrey’s knees hold up long enough to matter.

What do you think the 49ers should do moving forward? Let us know in the comments below.