Gone are the days of wondering how wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and the San Francisco 49ers can salvage their well-chronicled and publicly turbulent relationship. Throwing money at the problem didn't fix much, considering the two sides are reportedly heading toward a shocking split following the 2025 NFL campaign.
Aiyuk has all but checked out on the Niners, and it sounds like he may have already played his last down with the team. His fallout in San Francisco puts general manager John Lynch in a tricky spot, but it also presents a potential opportunity to address the matter.
The Athletic's Matt Barrows was asked about the financial flexibility created by getting Aiyuk's guaranteed money for 2026 off the books in his latest mailbag ($). By the sound of it, the 49ers will have options, with Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts being mentioned as a possible target.
49ers insider suggests Brandon Aiyuk fallout could lead San Francisco to Falcons TE Kyle Pitts
Pitts is slated to hit (unrestricted) free agency for the first time as a pro after a wildly disappointing yet productive five-year stint in Atlanta. He makes for an intriguing reclamation project who could greatly benefit from a change of scenery. The idea of him is better than the actual thing at this point, but head coach Kyle Shanahan has utilized players of his archetype.
Barrows likened Pitts to retired Pro Bowl tight end Jordan Reed, who started and ended his career with Shanahan, albeit on different clubs (including San Francisco).
With that in mind, we may see history repeat itself, especially given the circumstances beyond Aiyuk.
San Francisco figures to have a need and means to add at least one pass-catcher. Between Aiyuk's presumed departure and the uncertain futures of fellow wideouts Jauan Jennings and Kendrick Bourne, the receiver room might look quite different next season. So, Barrows wonders if Pitts can plug one of the holes:
""As far as flashy signings, I wonder whether Shanahan would be interested in Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts as someone who could step into the 'big slot' role should Jennings move on. Shanahan had a similar player in Washington -- and briefly with the 49ers -- in Jordan Reed.""Matt Barrows of The Athletic
Barring any unforeseen developments, the 49ers should have a means and need for Pitts' services. His combination of size, speed, athleticism and ball skills makes him a matchup nightmare when deployed properly. Reed serves as proof that Shanahan knows how to apply the 2021 No. 4 overall pick's skill set to an offense.
Only four tight ends have more receiving yards than Pitts (3,192) since he entered the league. This would be a remarkable feat for many, but not for someone who was universally touted as a generational prospect.
Nevertheless, he only turned age 25 in October; there's a lot more meat on the bone here.