In a whirlwind of NFL trade rumors, the latest buzz surrounds a potential deal between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the San Francisco 49ers involving wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. While reports of a trade being in place surfaced earlier on Tuesday, the deal has yet to come to fruition, leaving fans and analysts alike wondering what is holding up the process.
According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Media, the reason behind the delay in the trade is due to the 49ers and Aiyuk being closer to reaching a long-term contract agreement than previously thought. It seems that Aiyuk’s preference is to stay with his current team, and negotiations have been progressing positively in that direction.
“What I’ve been told is that Brandon Aiyuk would prefer to stay with the 49ers, and has always preferred to stay with the 49ers, all things being equal,” Garafolo revealed. “Now, they haven’t been equal, but they did make that offer. In fact, both sides sent proposals within the last, I don’t know, couple days, week or so, and the 49ers’ number has gotten better than what it was previously.”
It appears that the 49ers are also leaning towards keeping Aiyuk on their roster, rather than entertaining a trade. This sentiment prompted the revival of discussions between the two parties last week, as they aim to reach a mutually beneficial agreement that keeps Aiyuk in San Francisco for the foreseeable future.
Aiyuk’s impact on the field is undeniable, with impressive stats of 153 receptions for 2,357 yards and 15 touchdowns over the past two seasons. At just 26 years old, the former first-round pick has proven himself as a valuable asset to the 49ers’ offense, making him a key player in their future plans.
However, Aiyuk’s contractual situation has been a point of contention, leading to a hold-in during training camp as he pushes for a new deal. With a guaranteed base salary of $14.124 million on his fifth-year option in 2024, Aiyuk is seeking a contract that reflects his contributions to the team and secures his future in San Francisco.
As the negotiations continue and the trade rumors swirl, one thing is clear – Brandon Aiyuk’s future remains uncertain, but both he and the 49ers are working towards a resolution that benefits all parties involved. Stay tuned for updates as the saga unfolds in the fast-paced world of NFL transactions.