Getty Image / Cooper Neill
Brandon Aiyuk had a breakout season for the San Francisco 49ers last year, and established himself as one of the best wide receivers in the league.
But, it’s pretty clear that he wants out, and it seems like the San Francisco 49ers are finally coming around to that idea. But, their asking price seems to be astronomical.
The crux of Aiyuk’s trade demand is money-related, as usual. Aiyuk is due to be a free agent after the season after his rookie deal 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 top 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 have been most closely linked to making a trade for the 26-year-old. Apparently, Aiyuk doesn’t want to play for the Patriots, leaving the Browns and Steelers.
At times, it seems like the Steelers are the team most likely to trade for Brandon Aiyuk. But, the asking price is astronomical. Here’s CBS Sports with more.
No verbal agreement has been made between the Steelers and the 49ers on a possible trade as of Wednesday evening, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette , which added that any potential deal would not involve the Steelers giving 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 that the Steelers would have to sign to a long-term deal with well over $100 million guaranteed is a really steep price to pay. It would be a coup for the 49ers to get a deal for two first-rounders. With the number of highly-paid stars on their team, being able to acquire premium talent on the cheap in the NFL Draft is the way to extend their Super Bowl window.
Ultimately, it’s likely that Aiyuk gets moved, but probably not for that price. It’s smart for the 49ers to ask for that return, though.