Brandon Aiyuk Trade Rumors: Despite Speculation, Steelers and 49ers Have No Deal in Place
NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported on Wednesday that the Pittsburgh Steelers and San Francisco 49ers have not yet reached an agreement on a deal to send wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk to Pittsburgh.
Schultz mentioned that discussions between the Steelers and 49ers regarding a potential trade are still ongoing.
Andrew Fillipponi of Pittsburgh’s 93.7 The Fan had earlier reported that the Steelers had reached “a verbal agreement in place” for a trade involving Aiyuk.
Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports previously reported that the Steelers are one of four teams the 49ers allowed Aiyuk to negotiate a new deal with, along with the Cleveland Browns, New England Patriots, and Washington Commanders.
Maiocco wrote on Monday that the Browns and Patriots had “negotiated the framework” of a potential trade for Aiyuk.
The following day, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Patriots had withdrawn from pursuing the star wideout after “deciding not to explore any further trade possibilities with the 49ers.”
Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport subsequently reported that the Steelers had been in discussions with the 49ers about Aiyuk as of mid-day Tuesday.
Adding to the speculation, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin smiled in response to a question on Wednesday about whether the team was looking to add to its receiver room, saying, “I’ll let you guys speculate on that.”
The Steelers may still be trying to acquire Aiyuk to provide another target for projected starting quarterback Russell Wilson, but it seems more work is needed to secure the receiver.
This could involve negotiating a new contract with Aiyuk, who is reportedly seeking an extension and a raise from his current $14.1 million base salary for 2024.
Entering his fifth NFL season, Aiyuk recorded a career-high 1,342 receiving yards and seven touchdowns with the 49ers last season. He would likely become a top receiver in either Cleveland or Pittsburgh if a trade is finalized.
