As the 2024 season inches closer, the San Francisco 49ers remain at a crossroads with star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.
The path has seemingly led to the 49ers attempting to hammer out a long-term deal with Aiyuk, but that has hit several bumps in the road. At the same time, San Francisco has agreed to the parameters of a trade that would send the 26-year-old to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The 49ers don’t want to trade Aiyuk, but it’s the lack of traction in contract talks that kept the possibility of moving him alive before the 2024 season.
The Steelers remain a realistic trade landing spot, but the 49er’s desire to keep their star wideout prevents that scenario from becoming a reality.
Aiyuk is coming off his best individual season, posting 75 catches for 1,342 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. He has become a key factor in the 49ers’ high-powered offense.
He’s currently in the fifth-year option on his rookie contract, which will pay him $14.1 million in 2024. The 49ers’ unwillingness to pay him near what he desires likely keeps him without a new deal.
His departure would leave a significant hole in the passing game that Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, and Christian McCaffrey will have to help fill the void.
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Meanwhile, he would instantly become a key part of the Steelers’ passing game alongside wide receiver George Pickens. Beyond that, he would garner the lucrative long-term contract that he wants.
Time will tell if he gets that in San Francisco.
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