The saga surrounding wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk’s future in the NFL continues. Now staying with the San Francisco 49ers seems to be a real possibility again.
As reporters Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo from the “NFL Network” reported on Friday, the 49ers are now trying to get a long-term contract extension with Aiyuk. It was noted that nothing is set in stone and other teams such as the Pittsburgh Steelers are still in the running. But the trend is pointing towards staying in the Bay Area.
Aiyuk has been working toward a new contract for a long time, as he will enter his final year of his contract in 2024 and is only entitled to a guaranteed $14.1 million, which is well below market value for a wide receiver in his category. To emphasize his desire for a new deal – or a trade – he has shown up for training camp, but is not participating in the actual practice. He is, however, attending the usual meetings.
Aiyuk had demanded a trade in mid-July because negotiations with the 49ers had been slow. During the week, rumors emerged that the 49ers had reached a basic agreement with two teams on a trade for Aiyuk. They were said to be the Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots. Aiyuk apparently turned down both teams. The Patriots are said to have even offered him a contract with an average annual salary of around $32 million, but according to Dianna Russini of “The Athletic,” the team’s questionable quarterback situation put him off.
Did Aiyuk want to go to Pittsburgh?
Rumor has it that the Pittsburgh Steelers would be the desired destination for Aiyuk, but they have had a hard time negotiating with the Niners so far.
Aiyuk is important for the 49ers in any case, after all, he improved his performance in key statistics such as receptions and yards in each of his four seasons. In the past two seasons, he also led his team in targets.
Source: www.sport.de
