Brandon Aiyuk trade to Steelers faces another obstacle with 49ers: Report
It has been nearly a week since the San Francisco 49ers agreed to allow Brandon Aiyuk to seek a trade after contract disputes all offseason. However, after one week of preseason games, the wide receiver has yet to be traded, and it appears one of his top suitors has faced an issue in the process.
Despite interest from the Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots, the wide receiver has favored a trade to the Pittsburgh Steelers. While the team is interested in adding a player of his caliber, negotiations have hit a snag. The 49ers are reportedly unhappy with the return offers, as they are not only seeking draft capital but also a key player in the trade package, something the Steelers haven't offered.
It's unclear if the 49ers have a specific player in mind from the Steelers or if they want a starting offensive player to replace Brandon Aiyuk, who recorded 1,342 receiving yards and seven touchdowns last season.
Brandon Aiyuk turned down offers from Patriots and Browns
The Pittsburgh Steelers may be the frontrunner in a trade for wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, but the Cleveland Browns and the New England Patriots have also shown strong interest.
According to Matt Maiocco of NBC San Francisco, the Patriots and 49ers had a trade in place, which included a $30 million per season contract extension. Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne was also involved in the trade package, but Aiyuk had no desire to play for the Patriots, and the deal didn't come to fruition.
As per Maiocco, the Browns were reportedly willing to trade wide receiver Amari Cooper in exchange for Aiyuk, who turned down the deal.
If the 49ers and Steelers cannot agree on a trade that satisfies both Brandon Aiyuk and the teams involved, it's unclear what the future holds for the wide receiver in the 2024 season. However, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz on Friday, the player had a meeting with 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan, and the two have started negotiations for a long-term deal.