Brandon Aiyuk trade rumors: 49ers HC Kyle Shanahan and WR in "optimistic" talks for potential long-term deal
Brandon Aiyuk has been wanting a trade for some time, citing dissatisfaction with his contract situation. The San Francisco 49ers wide receiver had been targeted by the Washington Commanders and New England Patriots, and there is still ongoing interest from the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers.
But on Friday, a shocking development emerged. The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported that he wanted to remain in Santa Clara, and Bleacher Report's Jordan Schultz has since added that talks between him and 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan progressed positively to the point that a long-term extension is once again a possibility:
"The two sides have since restarted negotiations on a long-term deal and there is some optimism that Aiyuk could remain in SF," Schultz tweeted.
Aiyuk is entering the fifth-year option of his contract, which will earn him $14.124 million. He will be a free agent at the end of the season.
He has been reported to want at least $30 million annually. The Patriots were willing to offer him $2 million more than that. But he spurned them, citing their instability at quarterback and general lack of capability to make the playoffs.
Kyle Shanahan discusses Brandon Aiyuk's contract situation
On Thursday, Kyle Shanahan gave insights on the Brandon Aiyuk situation on Bay Area radio station KNBR.
"In a perfect world, you'd love all that to happen. But there's a lot of sides to it. There's us, what we want, it's what he wants. ... This is a very difficult one, but it's something you're always holding out hope for."
But in case it does not happen, he is prepared to seek "fair value" for parting ways with his WR2:
"You're always hoping that it's both, and there's got to be two teams tied to that, and B.A.'s also got to agree on that. So anytime that takes three things, it's not that easy. That's why we're looking at every possibility and really hoping that, it's the best thing for (both) the 49ers and B.A."
Meanwhile, at least one columnist believes Shanahan is to blame for why Aiyuk wants to go to Pittsburgh: Sports Illustrated's Grant Cohn. He opines that the former Atlanta Falcons OC's favoritism towards the likes of Deebo Samuel is a stark contrast to Steelers HC Mike Tomlin's inclusive, egalitarian approach.
On the other hand, Aiyuk's run-blocking abilities will be of great service to Tomlin, who has at least once been frustrated with George Pickens' seeming lack of willingness to help running backs.