In a dramatic turn of events, the Brandon Aiyuk saga seems to be finally reaching a conclusion. According to reports from NBC Sports Bay Area, the San Francisco 49ers have engaged in negotiations with both the Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots regarding potential trades involving the star wide receiver. It now falls on Aiyuk and his camp to make a decision on his next career move.
Sources have revealed that the 49ers have agreed to the terms laid out by both the Browns and Patriots for Aiyuk, leaving only the financial aspects to be settled. The rumors suggest that the 49ers could be receiving a veteran wide receiver along with a package of draft picks in exchange for their top wideout.
This latest development comes hot on the heels of reports from NFL Media claiming that contract talks between Aiyuk and the 49ers had hit a roadblock. It now seems increasingly likely that Aiyuk will be traded rather than receiving an extension from San Francisco.
NBC Sports Bay Area has disclosed that the 49ers granted Aiyuk permission to explore potential deals with not just the Browns and Patriots, but also the Washington Commanders and Pittsburgh Steelers. Washington eventually withdrew from the discussions, while Pittsburgh was said to have balked at meeting the 49ers’ demands.
The football world is abuzz with anticipation over what kind of compensation San Francisco is willing to accept for their All-Pro wideout. Earlier reports indicated that prior to the 2024 NFL Draft, the 49ers were seeking a first-round pick in exchange for Aiyuk. There were rumors that his agent was testing the market to see if other teams were willing to meet his lofty salary demands, which were said to be in the ballpark of $28 million per year. While five teams reportedly showed interest in offering Aiyuk such a salary, they were unable to meet the 49ers’ trade requirements.
With the wide receiver market heating up this offseason, there has been a flurry of lucrative contract signings. Four receivers have already secured deals with annual averages exceeding $30 million.
Aiyuk, the former No. 25 overall pick out of Arizona State, had a breakout season in 2023, amassing 75 receptions for a career-best 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns. His impressive 17.9 yards per reception ranked second in the league among eligible players, trailing only George Pickens. Additionally, his 3.1 yards per route run placed him third behind Tyreek Hill and Nico Collins in that category. Now, all eyes are on Aiyuk and his looming decision on his future destination.