49ers’ Brandon Aiyuk Drama: Where Will He Play?
The San Francisco 49ers are holding onto hope that they can keep their leading receiver, Brandon Aiyuk, despite his ongoing drama. A media report on Tuesday revealed that there are two possible outcomes: Aiyuk is traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers or he returns to the 49ers.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, the 49ers and Steelers have agreed to the terms of a trade, with the Steelers “in a good place on an Aiyuk contract.” However, the deal is contingent on the 49ers signing off on it. The report also stated that the 49ers have offered Aiyuk a long-term deal, which he has not accepted.
This truth has remained the same throughout the entire process with Aiyuk, which started a couple of days after the Super Bowl when his girlfriend suggested Aiyuk might have played his final game with the 49ers. San Francisco is closer to a Super Bowl title with Aiyuk than it is without him.
The 49ers are one of a few teams that can legitimately feel they’re Super Bowl favorites going into the season. Trading their leading receiver from a year ago is a step backward.
Aiyuk reportedly didn’t show any interest in joining the New England Patriots despite a reported contract offer of $30 million per year or more. If it was just about money, Aiyuk wouldn’t have dismissed the possibility of joining New England. If situation matters, nobody offers a better situation than the 49ers. And they have offered him a new contract.
Maybe there was a way for the 49ers’ relationship with Aiyuk to be saved, and the 49ers might not be in a huge hurry.
If the 49ers don’t trade Aiyuk and also don’t agree to a long-term extension with him, Aiyuk doesn’t have a lot of leverage unless he’s willing to give up his $14.1 million salary for this season. While he’s underpaid compared to every other receiver at his level, at some point he’d probably have to play for San Francisco this season if the 49ers draw a hard line.
The Steelers are hoping the 49ers give in. Pittsburgh is thin at receiver. Adding Aiyuk, who had 1,342 yards last season, would fix that issue. He’s just 26 years old so he’s a long-term option as well.
It’s reportedly all on the 49ers at this point. Their chances of winning a Super Bowl this season will be significantly affected by the outcome.
