NFL insider claims Brandon Aiyuk and the 49ers have restarted contract negotiations amid ongoing saga
San Francisco 49ers are finally becoming serious about completing Brandon Aiyuk's deal as Steelers, Browns and Patriots back off one by one.
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49ers restart contract talks with Brandon Aiyuk (Image via IMAGO)
Brandon Aiyuk’s contract saga finally appears to be heading for a resolution. The San Francisco 49ers are pushing to get his contract done as trade partners relinquish their pursuit of the star wide receiver.
According to Bleacher Report’s NFL expert, Jordan Schultz, whom the NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero backed up, Aiyuk and his representatives sat down with the 49ers front office. They reportedly chatted for a long time and listened to each other’s demands.
Schultz also pointed out the situation remains fluid because of the possibility of a trade. However, the 49ers are pushing to sign Brandon Aiyuk for the long haul.
Sources: #49ers star WR Brandon Aiyuk recently had a sit-down meeting with Kyle Shanahan and others in the organization where “some open and candid thoughts were expressed.” The two sides have since restarted negotiations on a long-term deal and there is some optimism that Aiyuk… pic.twitter.com/8HE6DSzFV2
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 9, 2024
The 26-year-old will earn 14.2 million in the 2024 season, and then a year later he will be a free agent. His negotiations stalled because of the recent slurry of cash earned by receivers throughout the league.
With Justin Jefferson getting a $35 million annual salary, Aiyuk hoped for something close. The 49ers initially refused to go above $28 million, which is double his current income. However, he turned them down and pushed for a better deal.
It’s also my understanding that the #Browns, who have been in pursuit of Brandon Aiyuk, are under the impression that they are unlikely to acquire him in a trade, per multiple sources.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 9, 2024
Situation remains ongoing, but Aiyuk staying with the #49ers is very much in play again. https://t.co/ewsZtG1Qkt
In the meantime, teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns came in with offers matching the all-pro wideout’s desired demands, but nothing materialized until today. The Browns eventually dropped their interest, realizing their chances of landing Aiyuk grew thin.
Brandon Aiyuk responded to the new rumors of him staying with the 49ers
Aiyuk’s situation became complicated after he took matters into his own hands by showing up with former Arizona teammate Jayden Daniels, who is now with the Washington Commanders, at a podcast earlier this year. He tried his best to push all of the 49ers’ buttons and keep all of his options open.
On top of that, he refused to train with the team and skipped the entire off-season program, including the first 2 weeks of training camp. This will likely continue until he gets a new deal and the recent developments point in the right direction.
However, shortly after Schultz’s announcement, Pelissero posted a screenshot of the news surrounding Aiyuk on Instagram. It contained a reply from the Pro Bowler.
Brad, Niner, be in the media every day lol, it’s two options out there; pick one and stop dropping reports simple.Brandon Aiyuk’s Instagram comment read
Brandon Aiyuk weighs in on the latest developments, via an Instagram comment: pic.twitter.com/LQoVDm5kEg
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 9, 2024
Now this is even more interesting. So this reply begs the question about who is telling the truth. It can only be one, and judging from Aiyuk’s reaction, something is going on behind the scenes from which the media remains in the dark.
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Ishan Misra
(3063 Articles Published)