Now that the Tennessee Titans have hired Robert Saleh as their next head coach, dreaming up the ideal offseason for the team can truly begin.
With Saleh coming in, the expectation will obviously be for the defense to be revamped in a big way. Saleh always does such a great job of maximizing talent on that side of the football, and we expect nothing less now that he's in Nashville. But what about the offense?
This isn't the greatest draft class in terms of blue-chip talent on that side of the ball in the top five of the NFL Draft, and if the Titans go after a defensive player early, they might have a clear avenue to upgrade the receiver position and get Cam Ward a new No. 1 receiver from Saleh's old team.
Brandon Aiyuk would be a no-brainer trade target for Titans after hiring Robert Saleh
There was a lot going on with Brandon Aiyuk over the last year or so. He not only suffered a devastating knee injury during the 2024 season, but has obviously had a very publicly fractured relationship with the 49ers. Because of his health and contract status, the 49ers couldn't trade him during the 2025 season, but a fresh start is the expectation for 2026.
Why not with the Titans?
If Saleh won't sign off on it, it's obviously out of the question, but given the circumstances and likely low cost to acquire him, taking a shot on Aiyuk and giving him a change of scenery with the Titans might be the best-case scenario for the receiver position in 2026.
The Titans obviously need a focal point in the passing game. We saw throughout the course of the 2025 season that there are pieces on the offensive side of the ball for the team to work with. The cupboard isn't bare, and guys like Gunnar Helm, Chimere Dike, and Elic Ayomanor are going to play roles going forward.
But the Titans need that "easy" button, and Aiyuk -- when he's heatlhy, anyway -- can be exactly that. Prior to his injury in 2024, Aiyuk had back-to-back years with over 1,000 yards receiving and was a second-team All-Pro during the 2023 season. He's just a complete all-around receiver, and the 49ers aren't going to be able to get a ton for him coming off of injury and obvious contractual drama.
Part of the reason why Aiyuk wants out of San Francisco, and why the 49ers are almost certain to get rid of him, is the fact that the team voided his 2026 contract guarantees.
Aiyuk needs a fresh start, and the Titans can give it to him. Not only that, but they can give him a fresh start with an advocate in the head coach's chair. They might not just be a potential destination for Aiyuk in the offseason, but the ideal destination for him.