The San Francisco 49ers must hold out hope that the Brandon Aiyuk drama ends with them keeping their leading receiver.
Otherwise, an agreement would have been reached already.
The Aiyuk drama has been going on for a long time, and a report on Tuesday indicates there are two possible outcomes: Aiyuk is traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers or he returns to the 49ers. Then again, as we’ve seen with this story, things can change.
The 49ers and Steelers have agreed to terms on a trade and the Steelers are “in a good place with a contract with Aiyuk.” According to Ian Rapoport of NFL MediaThe report said the deal would be finalized once the 49ers signed him. The other part of the report said the 49ers had offered Aiyuk a long-term contract, which he obviously hasn’t accepted.
According to the wording of that report, Aiyuk would already be a Steeler if the 49ers were willing to let him go.
The 49ers have an offer for Brandon Aiyuk
That truth has remained the same throughout the process with Aiyuk, which began a couple of days after the Super Bowl when his girlfriend suggested Aiyuk might have played his final game with the 49ers: San Francisco is closer to a Super Bowl title with Aiyuk than without him.
Teams in other situations might be more willing to trade a player who is unhappy with his contract and wants out. But the 49ers are one of the few teams that can legitimately feel like Super Bowl favorites heading into the season. Trading their top receiver from last year is a step backward.
When Aiyuk showed no interest in joining the New England Patriots despite a contract offer of $30 million per year or more, the 49ers had to take notice. If it were just a matter of money, Aiyuk wouldn’t have ruled out the possibility of joining New England. If situation matters, no one offers a better situation than the 49ers. And they’ve offered him a new contract.
Maybe there was a way to salvage the 49ers’ relationship with Aiyuk, and the 49ers might not be in such a hurry.
Where will Aiyuk play?
If the 49ers don’t trade Aiyuk and don’t come to terms on a long-term contract extension with him, Aiyuk doesn’t have much leverage unless he’s willing to give up his $14.1 million salary for this season. While he’s underpaid compared to every other receiver at his level, he’d likely have to play for San Francisco at some point this season if the 49ers take a firm stance.
The Steelers are hoping the 49ers will cave. Pittsburgh is short on receivers. Adding Aiyuk, who had 1,342 yards last season, would solve that problem. He’s just 26, so he’s also a long-term option.
It’s reportedly all down to the 49ers at this point. Their chances of winning a Super Bowl this season will change depending on the outcome.
