The San Francisco 49ers could be in the market for a first-round wide receiver when the 2026 NFL Draft arrives. Brandon Aiyuk's future remains uncertain, and many around the league believe the veteran wideout has likely played his final snap for the 49ers—even after signing a lucrative contract extension last year.
Aiyuk continues rehabbing the ACL and MCL injuries he suffered in October 2024. The 49ers voided his 2026 guaranteed salary for reasons that remain unclear, though ESPN reported that Aiyuk failed to attend several offseason rehab appointments, a factor that likely contributed to the decision.
"It takes a lot of things to get a contract voided," head coach Kyle Shanahan recently said. "Honestly, I've never dealt with that in my career or been in any building that's had that. So it was unusual, but that's stuff that I can't get into right now."
When asked Tuesday if it's realistic to expect Aiyuk back on the field this season, Shanahan replied, "Oh, I'm definitely still hopeful. I'm not counting on it, but I'm definitely still hoping that can happen."
Mock draft has 49ers targeting a new wideout
With wide receiver likely becoming a major need, The Athletic's Dane Brugler has the 49ers bolstering the position in his latest 2026 NFL mock draft, adding USC wide receiver Makai Lemon with the No. 24 overall pick.
"If Lemon is still on the board when the 49ers go on the clock, I don't think Kyle Shanahan would be able to pass on him," Brugler wrote.
Lemon led the Big Ten with 79 receptions for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns this season, pushing his career totals to 137 catches, 2,008 yards, and 14 scores.
Brugler added, "What Lemon (5-11, 195) lacks in size, he makes up for with his manipulative route running and competitive finishing skills at the catch point. Get ready for the Amon-Ra St. Brown comparisons."
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