It looks like the San Francisco 49ers have hit the 'eject' button on wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.

After negotiations stalled and neither the 49ers nor their All-Pro wide receiver would come closer to a deal, the 49ers have now hit the nuclear option of exploring the trade market.

Reports indicate the 49ers have deals in place with the Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots. They've also begun negotiating again with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Of that trio, only the Browns have a wide receiver who might be able to help the 49ers replace Aiyuk. That's 30-year-old Amari Cooper who is set to enter free agency next offseason. New England's receiving corps isn't great. Neither is Pittsburgh's, which helps explain why the clubs are interested in giving up assets to pay Aiyuk top-of-market money.

Not getting a top-end receiver back in an Aiyuk trade would suddenly turn a strong point of the 49ers' roster into a question mark. Here's what their depth chart might look like in Week 1 without Aiyuk, and without another WR to replace him:

Deebo Samuel

Samuel is one of the best playmakers in the NFL. He's also put together an outstanding training camp by all accounts. Regardless of how the Aiyuk situation plays out, having Samuel atop the depth chart is extremely helpful in the 49ers' pursuit of a championship.

Jauan Jennings

This is where things get dicey. Jennings has been outstanding in his role for the 49ers since being selected in the seventh round of the 2020 draft. He debuted the following year and immediately carved out a niche as a ferocious blocker, reliable third-down target, and perpetual pot-stirrer with opposing defenders. While he has thrived in that role, he has only 78 catches for 963 yards and seven touchdowns as a pro. For reference, Aiyuk posted 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns on 75 receptions just last season. Moving into the No. 2 spot would help Jennings' overall production, but it might also expose some of the weaknesses in his game that aren't as apparent when he's running as the No. 3 at the position.

Ricky Pearsall

Aiyuk's absence would also thrust the 49ers' first-round pick from this year's draft into a larger role. He might already be in line to take some WR3 snaps, but his runway to adapt to the NFL was much longer with Aiyuk alongside Samuel atop the depth chart. Pearsall becomes essential in a world where Aiyuk isn't in San Francisco. He would likely take on the bulk of the WR3 snaps and perhaps more depending on how Jennings produced in his bigger role. To make matters more difficult for the No. 31 overall pick, he's already missed time in camp because of a hamstring injury. A shoulder injury also forced him out of Tuesday's practice ahead of the 49ers' preseason opener.

Chris Conley

With Aiyuk on the roster, Conley is likely headed for a practice squad spot. Without Aiyuk the 49ers may need Conley to be a catch-all for any shortcomings with Jennings or Pearsall. That's not an ideal scenario for a soon-to-be 32-year-old wide receiver who has 29 catches the last three years. Conley is a perfect extra receiver and special teams contributor when he's up from the practice squad. Asking him to do much more than that may leave the 49ers disappointed.

Ronnie Bell

A nice training camp has put Bell back in real contention for a roster spot if Aiyuk is with the team. Without Aiyuk, he's a virtual lock for a roster spot. He didn't produce much as a rookie seventh-round pick last year, but Bell has stepped up as a receiver in camp this year to go with his special teams contributions. Perhaps Bell has made enough progress that the 49ers feel good about moving him up in the offense. That will be a huge question mark going into the year.

Jacob Cowing

The rookie fourth-round pick's role probably doesn't change much without Aiyuk. He's been dealing with a hamstring strain that kept him from getting into the first couple weeks of camp. Cowing's adjustment to NFL size and speed with pads on will be paramount in determining how effective he can be as a pro. In Year 1, however, the goal may be for him to return punts and run gadget plays on offense. Without Aiyuk there may be more opportunities for him to get into games, but his overall role doesn't figure to change dramatically.

On the bubble

Danny GrayTrent Taylor

Gray and Taylor could both find their way onto the roster over a player like Conley or Bell. Taylor is a punt return specialist who has had flashes as a pass catcher in camp. Gray is a third-year former third-round pick who has a ton of speed, but he hasn't been able to harness it within the 49ers' offense. A kick return job might be his best chance to grab a spot.

Long shots

Tay Martin

Martin is an intriguing former undrafted free agent who has been primarily on the 49ers' practice squad the last two years. He'll need a big finish to camp to climb onto the back end of the roster.

Practice squad candidates

Frank DarbyTerique Owens

Darby has two catches in three years as a pro and doesn't figure to be in the mix for the active roster. Owens is an undrafted rookie whose best chance to stick around is likely via the practice squad.

This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers WR depth chart looks thin if Brandon Aiyuk trade goes through