The Brandon Aiyuk saga in San Francisco is reportedly close to ending once and for all.
It’s been a month since Brandon Aiyuk requested a trade from the 49ers after unproductive discussions on a contract extension. It sounds like the 26-year-old will finally get the lucrative contract he’s seeking, only with another team.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the 49ers and Pittsburgh Steelers “have a deal” in place for the superstar wide receiver. Rapoport states that the Steelers are “in a good place on” a new contract for Aiyuk.
Rapoport reports that the last hurdle is the 49ers’ approval and “final sign-off” on the deal. He added that the 49ers issued him another “long-term” contract offer, but the 2020 first-round pick has not accepted it.
The Steelers, Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots were reported to be the front-runners for Aiyuk just last week. The Browns were reportedly planning to offer up Pro Bowl wideout Amari Cooper as part of the package for San Fran’s star, but that never materialized.
This Brandon Aiyuk block is what I’ll remember most about him as a 49er. pic.twitter.com/c412P6Y0wn
— Joe Orrico (@NoExpertFF) August 7, 2024
According to multiple reports, the Patriots weren’t willing to meet the 49ers’ giant asking price for Aiyuk. Whatever GM John Lynch is asking for, it appears the Steelers are more than happy to match it.
Brandon Aiyuk Makes The Steelers Contenders
The Steelers’ biggest need heading into the offseason was a quarterback. They upgraded there by swapping out Mitch Trubisky, Kenny Pickett and Mason Rudolph for Russell Wilson and Justin Fields.
But if they’re adding a top-10 receiver in football to complement George Pickens, Pat Freiermth, Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris, then there’s no questioning that the Pittsburgh offense will be vastly improved compared to the 2019-2023 units.
Aiyuk had a career year on a 49ers team loaded with superstars on offense. He’ll immediately become the go-to playmaker in Pittsburgh, and the Steelers should finally re-emerge as title contenders in 2024.
