Brandon Aiyuk was reportedly on the verge of joining the Pittsburgh Steelers.
According to FOX Sports’ Jay Glazer, San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan informed Aiyuk that he needed to choose between staying with the team or being traded to the Steelers by the end of practice on the day he signed his extension.
The 49ers were finalizing a trade to move Aiyuk to Pittsburgh before he signed his new contract, Glazer reports.
Aiyuk opted to remain with the 49ers, signing a reported four-year, $120-million extension with $76 million guaranteed.
The 26-year-old wide receiver had a standout season in 2023, recording 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns on 75 receptions, which earned him a second-team All-Pro selection. He is expected to be a key offensive weapon this season, joining fellow wideouts Deebo Samuel, tight end George Kittle, and running back Christian McCaffrey.
The Steelers are currently lacking depth at receiver behind George Pickens. Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin, and rookie Roman Wilson are competing for the No. 2 receiver spot for the 2024 season.
Aiyuk and the 49ers will begin their season on Monday Night Football against the New York Jets, while Pittsburgh will start its campaign against the Atlanta Falcons.
