Getty Images / Cooper Neill
Brandon Aiyuk had an outstanding season for the San Francisco 49ers last year, establishing himself as one of the best wide receivers in the league.
But it’s pretty clear he wants out, and it seems like the San Francisco 49ers are finally getting around to it. But their price seems astronomical.
The crux of Aiyuk’s trade demand, as always, is money. Aiyuk is set to be a free agent after the season, after his rookie contract expires. The 49ers could and probably would franchise tag him, but he wants long-term financial security and wants to be paid like one of the best receivers in the game. Brandon Aiyuk doesn’t want to wait until after the season, either. He wants it now.
Teams like the Patriots, Commanders, Browns and Steelers were most likely to be linked with a transfer of the 26-year-old. Apparently Aiyuk does not want to play for the Patriots and is instead leaving the Browns and Steelers.
Sometimes it seems as if the Steelers are most likely to sign Brandon Aiyuk. But the asking price is astronomical. CBS Sports reports more here.
According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, there was no verbal agreement between the Steelers and the 49ers regarding a possible transfer as of Wednesday evening. who added that a potential deal would not mean the Steelers would have to give up a player. The 49ers have asked the Steelers for two first-round picks for .Aiyuk, according to Jim Wexell of Steel City Insider.
Brandon Aiyuk is an outstanding football player. But two first-round picks for a player the Steelers would have to sign to a long-term contract with well over $100 million guaranteed is a really high price to pay. For the 49ers, getting a deal for two first-round picks would be a godsend. Given the number of highly paid stars on their team, the ability to sign top-tier talent cheaply in the NFL Draft is the way to extend their Super Bowl window.
Ultimately, it’s likely that Aiyuk will be traded, but probably not for that price. However, it’s smart of the 49ers to ask for that in return.
