The Cleveland Browns are entering the offseason with a clear goal of improving the offense. Whether it's a new offensive line, wide receivers, or maybe even a quarterback, something needs to change.
A strong defense with Myles Garrett cannot continue to be wasted with a lackluster offense. That's why the Browns are going to be linked to a lot of the top options this offseason.
ESPN's Ben Solak predicted the Browns will address their wide receiver room by acquiring a disgruntled San Francisco 49ers wide receiver to pair with Shedeur Sanders. Brandon Aiyuk is not staying with the 49ers, and the Browns are a landing spot.
Browns predicted to add Brandon Aiyuk to pair with Shedeur Sanders
"The Browns will bring in 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk," Solak writes, "as they continue their tradition of signing receivers on low-cost contracts in hopes of hitting it big."
Aiyuk had his 2026 contract guarantees waived by the 49ers, and with no challenge from Aiyuk, he's expected to be released this offseason, and the Browns could pounce on such an opportunity.
This prediction from Solak is interesting for two reasons. The first is obvious, in that the Browns go out and acquire Aiyuk to bolster their wide receiver room.
While Aiyuk's 2025 season was a complete loss, the 49ers wide receiver was very productive for a few years with the 49ers from 2020 through 2024 before his injury.
In 2023, before signing his big contract, Aiyuk had 105 receptions for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns. The year before, he had eight touchdowns and 1,015 yards on 114 catches.
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Overall, Aiyuk is a strong receiver when healthy, and on the Browns, he could be a good pairing with Sanders and the offense.
But what makes this prediction even more interesting is that Solak is predicting this deal with Aiyuk won't be an expensive one for Cleveland.
Adding Aiyuk as a "low-cost" move with high upside would make such an offseason decision a no-brainer for Cleveland.
With a lot of cap space and a dire need at wide receiver, the Browns have the means to win the sweepstakes for Aiyuk this offseason without spending an arm and a leg.
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