Could today be the day? A firm decision to the Brandon Aiyuk saga, that has more layers than a onion, is on the horizon. According to NBC Sports Bay Area, the San Francisco 49ers have been in serious talks about the frameworks of potential trades with both the Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots. It is now in the hands of the star wideout and his camp to choose his next contract and destination.
The 49ers have reportedly accepted what the Browns and Patriots offered for Aiyuk’s talents and services, and now it comes down to the main sticking point, the money. The report indicates the 49ers could get back a veteran wide receiver and a treasure trove of picks in return for their No. 1 wideout.
This new wrinkle comes after NFL Media reported Monday night that contract talks between Aiyuk and the 49ers had broken down, and that it was more likely Aiyuk would be dealt than find an extension in San Francisco.
NBC Sports Bay Area reports that the 49ers granted permission to Aiyuk to negotiate deals with the Browns, Patriots, Washington Commanders and Pittsburgh Steelers. Washington eventually backed out of the running, while the Steelers were reportedly unwilling to match San Francisco’s steep asking price.
Embed from Getty ImagesIt will be interesting to see what San Francisco is accepting for its All-Pro wideout. Reports stated that prior to the 2024 NFL Draft in late April, the 49ers were searching high and low for a first-round pick. Pro Football Talk reported that Aiyuk’s agent was given the go-ahead at that time to see if other teams would pay the wide receiver what he was after. At that point in time, that price was reportedly $28 million per year. Aiyuk’s agent found a handful of teams that were open to do business and willing to give that contract to Aiyuk, but those five teams failed to meet the 49ers’ desired trade compensation.
The wide receiver market has been inflating and very active this offseason, and there are now four elite pass-catchers who have locked up contracts that include averages of at least $30 million per year.
The former No. 25 overall pick out of Arizona State University, had his best NFL season yet in 2023, as Aiyuk hauled in 75 receptions for a career-high 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns. His 17.9 yards per reception ranked second in the NFL among qualified players behind George Pickens of the Steelers, while his 3.1 yards per route run ranked third behind Tyreek Hill of the Miami Dolphins, who just received a giant payday in his own right on Saturday and Nico Collins of the Houston Texans.
