The 49ers are demanding a generous severance package for receiver Brandon Aiyuk.
As Jim Wexell of Steel City Insider reports, the reigning NFC champions are seeking their star wideout in exchange for two first-round picks.
The 26-year-old Aiyuk recently asked San Francisco for a transfer after they could not agree on a long-term contract.
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According to ESPN, the Pittsburgh Steelers began negotiations with San Francisco on Tuesday after reports on Monday that the Browns and Patriots emerged as the two finalists.
The Patriots have since withdrawn from the race.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter called the trade talks an “always unstable situation.”
Despite back-and-forth talks, the Steelers and 49ers had not reached any verbal agreements as of Wednesday evening, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported.
The outlet added that the potential deal would not require the Steelers to send a player in return.
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Any deal involving Aiyuk would require him to agree to a long-term extension, meaning both the team (trade assets) and Aiyuk (contract) would have to agree for a trade to work.
The Patriots were reportedly willing to make him one of the league’s five highest-paid receivers before pulling out of talks and instead focusing on their young and up-and-coming talent.
The Steelers could use an explosive playmaker with their new quarterback team of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields after trading Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers at the beginning of the offseason.
The team’s roster currently features George Pickens, Calvin Austin III and Van Jefferson as starters in three-receiver sets.
Aiyuk would take over as the team’s No. 1 receiver after setting a career-high 1,342 yards for the 49ers last season and helping them to the Super Bowl.
It’s still possible that Aiyuk will stay with the 49ers and play on his fifth-year option or possibly get the long-term contract he’s seeking.
