49ers Make Progress in Striking Deal with Brandon Aiyuk

It looks like All-Pro wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk might stay in the Bay Area, after all. Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network report that the 49ers have made a renewed effort in recent days to strike a long-term deal with Aiyuk. Pelissero states that nothing is done, but the 49ers and Aiyuk have made significant progress in inking a deal.

According to NFL Insider Jordan Schultz, Brandon Aiyuk recently had a sit-down meeting with Kyle Shanahan and others in the organization where “some open and candid thoughts were expressed.” Schultz said the situation remains fluid but there is some optimism that Aiyuk could remain in San Francisco. 

Aiyuk responded on Instagram to the reports, “Niners be in the media everyday lol, it’s two options out there pick one and stop dropping reports simple.”

The other option is the Pittsburgh Steelers. Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported that the 49ers, to this point, haven’t been satisfied with the Steelers’ offers and would like a receiver in return for Aiyuk as part of a trade, although they are open to players at other positions. Russini also said that the Steelers have not engaged in trade conversations with the 49ers in the last 24 hours.

Throughout the offseason, the Steelers have been linked as a possible trade partner for Aiyuk. The Steelers were also one of two teams that Aiyuk mentioned that he would like to play for if negotiations went sideways with San Fran. Aiyuk also had a strong desire to play for Mike Tomlin.

“Probably a 49ers uniform, if not a 49ers uniform probably a Washington Commanders uniform. If not a Washington Commanders uniform, probably Steelers uniform,” Aiyuk said on The Pivot.

The Patriots and Browns reportedly had deals in place with the 49ers that San Francisco general manager John Lynch deemed acceptable. Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area said that Aiyuk did not show interest in going to New England, however. Aiyuk is not keen on going to Cleveland, either. The Patriots have since removed themselves from the Aiyuk sweepstakes. Aiyuk reportedly turned down a contract from New England that would have made him $32 million per year.

Former NFL wide receiver T. J. Houshmandzadeh, who is Brandon Aiyuk’s personal WR coach, claims that other teams are willing to give Aiyuk more than $32 million. Aiyuk is asking for $28 million, but San Francisco won’t budge off their $26 million number.

“You have a team willing to pay [Aiyuk] a little more than $32M and he’s not even asking that much from his own team!…You wouldn’t give him $28M a year, but you’d give him $26M? That’s nothing!” Houshmandzadeh said on 95.7 The Game.