There’s been an undeniable change in the winds between the 49ers and WR Brandon Aiyuk in recent days. Aiyuk has been lobbying for a new contract all offseason and up until now the 49ers have steadfastly refused to consider any trade offers for their star receiver. But an avalanche of reports from the beginning of this week has made it clear that San Francisco’s stance has softened.
Things remain up in the air, but it’s possible and perhaps even probable that Aiyuk’s time in San Francisco has just days left. Why Have The 49ers Changed Their Minds? NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco was the first to report the 49ers have a framework in place for a trade with both the Browns and the Patriots for Aiyuk. There have been other reports on social media from less official sources about the Steelers being the true favorites to land Aiyuk, reports that have been disputed by more traditional outlets even with the acknowledgment about Pittsburgh being involved.
The major complicating factor in talks is Aiyuk’s desire for a new contract. Any team that trades for Aiyuk has to work out an extension with him first, otherwise they’re just inheriting San Francisco’s problem with a disgruntled player (the Jets have learned that lesson the hard way this offseason with DE Haason Reddick who has held out all offseason and all training camp). In order to swing an Aiyuk trade, a team must put a contract on the table that Aiyuk will accept, and reports have put his asking price north o.