Brandon Aiyuk Trade Rumors: 'Pretty Much Down to' Steelers, 49ers amid Contract Buzz
August 10, 2024
Where Brandon Aiyuk will play this season is reportedly down to just two teams.
Per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Aiyuk's options have been narrowed to a trade to the Pittsburgh Steelers or staying with the San Francisco 49ers.
"I'm told it's pretty much down to the Steelers and 49ers, him staying in San Francisco, at this point," Fowler said (1:15 mark). "I was told around Thursday the 49ers intensified their efforts to try to re-sign him after some stagnant weeks where he was sitting around waiting to be traded, essentially."
Jeremy Fowler @JFowlerESPNFrom <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsCenter?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sportscenter</a> earlier today with <a href="https://twitter.com/RandyScottESPN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RandyScottESPN</a>: <br><br>-Xavier Worthy in solid groove in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chiefs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chiefs</a> offense <br>-49ers looks to win Aiyuk over as Pittsburgh looms<br>-CeeDee Lamb continues to wait <a href="https://t.co/ljtgCtLGqp">pic.twitter.com/ljtgCtLGqp</a>
Aiyuk and the 49ers have been in contract disputes all offseason, and it led to the star wide receiver requesting a trade in July. All signs seemed to point to Aiyuk playing the 2024 season with another team, but a recent report indicated that he could remain in San Francisco.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported Friday that Aiyuk had a productive meeting with head coach Kyle Shanahan and other members of the staff, and the two sides have since restarted negotiations for a long-term deal.
There was initial interest from the Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots for Aiyuk, but Aiyuk wasn't interested in being traded to either team. While the options are now somewhat limited, the Steelers could be available as a trade partner should the 49ers choose to go in that direction.
But San Francisco would likely prefer to hold on to Aiyuk after the year he had. He recorded 1,342 receiving yards and seven touchdowns and was a valuable part of the offense that led the 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance.
