The Brandon Aiyuk trade saga with the San Francisco 49ers just got murkier.
The star wide receiver had initially requested a trade out of San Francisco and it looked like both sides were done with each other and looking for a fresh start. There were even rumors of deals being essentially done between the 49ers and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Then, news came out that nothing was imminent, but that the 49ers were working to find a deal that made the most sense for both Aiyuk and San Francisco. The New England Patriots and Cleveland Browns were also reportedly involved, but the Patriots are no longer in the mix. Now, these trade negotiations might have been all for nothing with a new report by Jordan Schultz suggesting that Aiyuk and the 49ers have re-engaged in contract negotiations and that the situation remains “fluid.”
"Sources: 49ers star wide reciever Brandon Aiyuk recently had a sit-down meeting with Kyle Shanahan and others in the organization where 'some open and candid thoughts were expressed,'" NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported Friday. "The two sides have since restarted negotiations on a long-term deal and there is some optimism that Aiyuk could remain in San Francisco. Situation remains 'very fluid' but a sudden development."
If Aiyuk somehow remains with the 49ers it would be very reminiscent of what happened with fellow 49ers wide receiver, Deebo Samuel. Negotiations were extremely tough between Samuel and the San Francisco front office with Samuel’s name also being thrown around in trade scenarios. Still, a deal got done and Samuel has remained one of the best offensive weapons in the NFL.
However, this situation is becoming more and more bizarre due to how complicated things feel as a whole between the two sides. Aiyuk is in the prime of his career at 26 years old and he was named a Second-Team All-Pro wide receiver after having a great 2023-24 season. He finished with 75 receptions for 1,342 receiving yards and seven touchdowns on the year and was a huge reason why the 49ers made it to the Super Bowl this past year. Stay tuned for the latest chapter in this saga with one of the more underrated receivers in the NFL.
More NFL: More than money standing between suitors and Brandon Aiyuk blockbuster trade with 49ers
