49ers’ Shocking WR Targets for 2026: You Won't Believe Who's Replacing Aiyuk!

The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for a significant transformation in their wide receiver corps as they navigate the 2026 offseason. Reports from The Athletic's Dianna Russini and Michael Silver indicate that a "stunning divorce" is on the horizon between the team and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. This move comes after the 49ers voided the guaranteed money in Aiyuk's contract for 2026, a decision driven by his failure to attend meetings and participate in team activities over recent months. This situation sets the stage for Aiyuk's expected release at the end of the 2025 season.

As the 49ers look to fill the void left by Aiyuk, they will also need to address the potential departures of receivers Kendrick Bourne and Jauan Jennings, both of whom are slated to enter free agency in 2026. This leaves the team with a need to build around former first-round pick Ricky Pearsall, who will be counted on more heavily moving forward.

In this evolving landscape, the 49ers may turn their sights to potential free-agent targets. One name that has emerged is Dyami Brown, the wide receiver for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Despite a lackluster performance in 2025, where he recorded only 19 receptions for 219 yards and one touchdown in nine games after signing a one-year deal worth $10 million with Jacksonville, Brown's past performance offers a glimmer of hope. He averaged an impressive 16.4 yards per reception from 2021 to 2023 and showed promise late in the previous season, completing three playoff games with 14 catches for 229 yards.

If the 49ers decide to explore cheaper options in the draft, they could be eyeing Chris Brazzell II, a wide receiver from the Tennessee Volunteers. Brazzell has made a significant impact this season, catching 52 passes for 873 yards and eight touchdowns in just 10 games. According to Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department, Brazzell is expected to be available when the 49ers are on the clock in the upcoming draft. His speed makes him a valuable prospect, as B/R NFL Scout Dame Parson noted that he possesses "top-end speed to consistently win on vertical and downfield routes," and his long strides create challenges for opposing defensive backs.

Another intriguing prospect for the 49ers could be Chris Bell from Louisville. Similar to Brazzell, Bell has also been highlighted in the most recent draft mock from Bleacher Report. The senior receiver has accumulated 871 yards on 67 catches this season, scoring six touchdowns. Parson described Bell as a "powerful pass-catcher who welcomes contact," emphasizing his ability to maneuver through defenses thanks to his physicality. Bell's skills make him a potential asset for a team looking to bolster its receiving options.

For the moment, the 49ers remain focused on their current season, sitting at 7-4 and holding the No. 3 position in the NFC West standings. As they aim for a playoff berth, the decisions they make regarding their roster will be crucial not just for the immediate future but for the direction of the franchise in the years to come. The anticipated changes in the wide receiver lineup could catalyze a new era for the team, underscoring the importance of making the right choices in both free agency and the draft.