The Brandon Aiyuk saga may finally be nearing the finish line – one way or another.
According to a report from NFL Media early Tuesday, Pittsburgh Steelers and the San Francisco 49ers have a trade in the works for the star wide receiver. Additionally, Pittsburgh felt it was in a good position to sign a contract extension with Aiyuk while waiting for San Francisco to give final approval to the trade, according to the report.
Later in the day, however, the rollercoaster saga took a different turn when the same newspaper now reported that the 49ers and Aiyuk “are not that far apart on a deal.” According to the report, Aiyuk has always preferred to stay in San Francisco, and the sides have agreed on many of the main points of a new contract. If one more point can be worked out, the report said, Aiyuk is expected to stay with the 49ers.
As the possibility of Aiyuk being traded has increased in recent weeks, the Steelers have been considered the favorite to sign him. The New England Patriots and Cleveland Browns had reportedly made deals with the 49ers to sign Aiyuk, but neither were able to get him to sign a long-term contract extension.
The 49ers also stepped up their efforts to retain Aiyuk last week, reports indicated. San Francisco still has a long-term offer for Aiyuk on the table, NFL Media added in its report Tuesday.
However, Aiyuk still expressed some frustration with the 49ers in response to news that the team is renewing its efforts to extend his contract.
“Brad the Niners are in the media every day lol there are two options out there pick one and just stop dropping reports,” Aiyuk wrote in an Instagram comment.
Aiyuk has been involved in a contract dispute with the 49ers for most of the offseason, so there is a chance he could leave San Francisco shortly after the Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City ChiefsHe reportedly asked for a transfer a week before training camp began.
The 26-year-old is coming off arguably the best season of his career, recording 75 pass catches for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns in the 2023 regular season. He is entering the final year of his rookie contract and is likely looking for a top-tier contract after several top receivers signed historic contract extensions this offseason.
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