Jets should consider signing Brandon Aiyuk in one specific circumstance

Aaron Glenn and the New York Jets' brass have made a point of emphasizing culture ever since relieving the previous regime of their duties. And headaches are certainly not what the franchise needs. So everyone's gut instinct when they see the polarizing – and oft-injured – Brandon Aiyuk as a potential addition is to dismiss it.

I get it. I've already outlined the concerns. He's played very little football over the past two seasons. And he's a dubious locker room presence indeed. He's far from a home run, that's for sure. So I'm not here to argue that the Jets should move even an ounce of capital to bring him in.

But I will argue that he's worth consideration if the 49ers release him to free agency. The Jets need to get good eventually. Tanking cannot be the strategy year after year. They brought in a veteran QB, Geno Smith, to win games. And young offensive talent can't develop amidst a sinking ship.

If he costs the veteran minimum on a one-year "prove it" deal, or at least close to it, he could elevate this offense significantly. If he stays mostly healthy (a big if), he can impact winning. And if it's a one-year deal, there's very little downside here.

Brandon Aiyuk could be a low risk, high reward move for the Jets

No move comes with zero risk. When you bring a new personality into the locker room, of course, that can inherently impact things positively or negatively. But this Jets group, for the first time in years, has a good core of veteran leaders to keep things in check. If he becomes an issue, I don't expect Demario Davis, Geno Smith, or Harrison Phillips to sit idly by and let it permeate.

And yes, as a Jets fan, I recognize the irony in Geno Smith being noted as a positive locker-room leader. But it's the truth in 2026.

Even Garret Wilson has already proven to have his head screwed on straight enough to withstand negative influences. While the Jets have their fair share of youth, there's more than enough seasoned backbone to keep the ship steered straight.

All that said, I want to reiterate that I do not believe this is a rational move for the Jets if they have to move pieces to obtain him. This making any sense whatsoever is entirely dependent upon the 49ers deciding to release him. Which, according to them, they have no interest in doing. He's already forfeited guaranteed money, so both sides are at a stalemate.

With all of the noise surrounding the situation, including his own questionable behavior on social media, and with the devastating leg injuries he has sustained, it's easy to forget who we are talking about. So let me remind you what Aiyuk can do when he's able to walk.

Over his first four seasons, he appeared in 62 games, averaging over 67 receptions per season and over 980 yards per season, along with a total of 25 touchdowns. In 2023, when he last played a full season, he received a staggering 91.7 Pro Football Focus receiving grade. He's a YAC demon, averaging 5.14 YAC per reception during the peak three years of his career from 2021 to 2023. And he's sure-handed, finishing 2023 with a stellar 2.3% drop rate.

Yes, I'm aware that 2024 and 2025 were disasters for Aiyuk. He tore his ACL, MCL, and meniscus, resulting in a total of just seven games. So, aside from the locker-room headache factor, you have to consider his health. But, again, that's why this move only makes sense if he costs next to nothing.

And let's not forget what many considered to be the biggest hole in the building prior to the draft. A hefty portion of offseason talk was devoted to the lack of receiving talent. Sure, Omar Cooper Jr. has real potential. But he's not a proven entity. Aiyuk would be an immediate infusion of ability to the receiving room.

If the young core is ever going to blossom, they need experience in meaningful games, playing real football. A healthy Brandon Aiyuk objectively helps that effort. Covering both Garret Wilson and Aiyuk is not an easy task. If his price tag is completely deflated, don't rule out the Jets as a possible wildcard team to land Aiyuk.

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