The San Francisco 49ers used their first selection in the 2026 NFL Draft on a wide receiver after multiple trades down in the order, but it wasn't a player fans had been looking at as a possible Brandon Aiyuk replacement. San Francisco used the No. 33 pick on Ole Miss wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling.
The move comes after the 49ers have officially moved on without Aiyuk in their future plans. Adam Schefter even confirmed after the Stribling pick that San Francisco is trying to find a suitor for Aiyuk. The language in his tweet implies that the 49ers may not be looking to bring him back if no deal materializes.
Picking a wide receiver early in the Draft isn't the death knell to Aiyuk's career in San Francisco. What is concerning for him is the fact that what Stribling does well mirrors Aiyuk's best traits. Think of Stribling as a store brand version of what Aiyuk was when he was coming out of Arizona State.
With Ricky Pearsall ascending, Mike Evans in town, and Aiyuk's goodwill within the organization eroded away, all signs are pointing to someone who was once viewed as an integral part of their future now being kicked aside at the earliest possible opportunity.
49ers should be done with Brandon Aiyuk after De'Zhaun Stribling pick in NFL Draft
Stribling caught 55 passes for 811 yards and six touchdowns for the Rebels last season. While he has a ways to go as a complete receiver and lacks elite speed, his ability to make plays after the catch is likely to get Shanahan very interested in his potential.
With Jauan Jennings likely on his way out as well, Stribling will likely play a very important role in this receiver room alongside the big-bodied Evans and the slippery Pearsall. Aiyuk is being paid like an elite receiver, but his lack of availability has been one of the main reasons things have soured.
Aiyuk has been one of the worst contracts in football ever since he signed his big second deal with San Francisco. While it isn't his fault that he continues to get injured, that bad luck, combined with an inability to remain locked in with the team, has John Lynch looking to get cheaper and less fragile at wide receiver.
Given how last season went, it might be hard for anyone to absorb the albatross contract and injury risk Aiyuk has become.
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