Niners may keep their star receiver after all
The more things change, the more they stay the same. The rumors surrounding WR Brandon Aiyuk have been going on for far longer than most do in the NFL. Generally, if rumors become detailed and widespread, something happens quickly or they are all squashed.
A week ago, vague rumors started to swirl about an Aiyuk trade being discussed. While not everyone thought it was realistic for the Cleveland Browns to be involved, we soon learned that the Browns had a framework of a trade in place with the San Francisco 49ers.
Since then:
- We shared three realistic proposals for a Cleveland trade
- Mike Silver shared what he was hearing from the Bay Area
- Then we learned that the Pittsburgh Steelers were offering only draft picks for Aiyuk
Friday a slew of new reports/rumors came out:
Browns believe they are out
It’s also my understanding that the #Browns, who have been in pursuit of Brandon Aiyuk, are under the impression that they are unlikely to acquire him in a trade, per multiple sources.
Situation remains ongoing, but Aiyuk staying with the #49ers is very much in play again. https://t.co/ewsZtG1Qkt
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 9, 2024
Possibly Staying in SF
As noted in the tweet quote tweeted above, Aiyuk and the Niners are back at the negotiating table:
The #49ers have made a renewed effort in recent days to strike a long-term deal with WR Brandon Aiyuk, sources tell me and @MikeGarafolo.
The situation is fluid and other teams, including Pittsburgh, are still in the mix. But a return to SF appears increasingly possible.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 9, 2024
Steelers aren’t communicating with Niners on trade
The Pittsburgh Steelers have not engaged in trade conversations with the San Francisco 49ers in the last 24 hours. In the meantime, the 49ers have opened up contract talk with Brandon Aiyuk and his agent, as many are reporting.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) August 9, 2024
Aiyuk responds on Instagram
Going into the comment section on a post by “Brad” with The SF Niners, Aiyuk noted that it is the team spreading rumors and that there are only two options (seemingly returning to San Fran or going to the Steelers):
Still seems like there is a long way to go before the Aiyuk rumors die down. Until the Browns and Steelers are out of them, we will continue to keep you up to date.