The San Francisco 49ers have reached an agreement with the Pittsburgh Steelers regarding a potential trade involving receiver Brandon Aiyuk, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
If approved by San Francisco, the deal will be finalized, and Aiyuk is set to join the Steelers. The 49ers also proposed a long-term contract to the 26-year-old receiver, but Rapoport reports that Aiyuk has not accepted the offer.
Aiyuk expressed interest in Pittsburgh as a trade destination in June. Although the Steelers initially seemed out of the running after reportedly rejecting the 49ers’ trade terms earlier this month, they resumed discussions with San Francisco last week.
The 49ers were reportedly not satisfied with the Steelers’ offers for Aiyuk, as San Francisco is seeking the inclusion of a wide receiver in the trade. With the Steelers experiencing a shortage of depth at the wide receiver position, a potential three-team trade has been speculated. This would involve sending Aiyuk to Pittsburgh and returning a receiver to San Francisco, according to Grant Cohn of 49ers On SI.
The Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots have also been reported to have discussed trade scenarios for Aiyuk. However, Aiyuk is said to be reluctant to join the Patriots due to concerns about the team’s quarterback situation, and Cleveland is not among his preferred destinations.
Aiyuk, drafted in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, is entering the final year of his rookie contract. He is seeking a contract extension to become one of the NFL’s highest-paid wide receivers. In the 2023 season, Aiyuk achieved a career-high 1,342 receiving yards, along with 75 receptions and eight touchdowns.
