Brandon Aiyuk will either sign a contract extension with the San Francisco 49ers or possibly be traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers. These remain the two most likely outcomes as the ongoing drama may be nearing its end. With the regular season just around the corner, a deadline is looming for both sides, especially if Aiyuk plans to play in Week 1.
ESPN insider Adam Schefter discussed the Aiyuk saga on "The Pat McAfee Show." While there haven't been any major updates recently, the situation remains one of the most talked-about training camp topics.
"The 49ers know that they need Brandon Aiyuk out there," Schefter said. "He's made a lot of plays for them over time. He has had a great run, and they want to get the deal done."
With its Super Bowl aspirations, San Francisco has a better chance of reaching New Orleans in February with Aiyuk on the roster. However, the team must also consider the future salary cap impact, especially with quarterback Brock Purdy expected to become one of the league's highest-paid players next year.
"They've made him multiple offers to try to keep him (Aiyuk), but for whatever reason, that deal hasn't gotten done, and that has allowed other teams to enter the fray with trade conversations." Schefter continued.
One of those teams is the Pittsburgh Steelers, who also have an offer on the table, both in terms of a contract extension for Aiyuk and trade compensation for the 49ers. However, the receiver continues to wait, likely hoping a deal with San Francisco can be finalized.
"I think we're at the point now where we're going to start to get a push here to see how this winds up, how it's resolved," Schefter added. "And I think the 49ers would like to keep him, want to keep him. I still think that's the more likely scenario.
"But to think that there's any likely scenario in this particular situation would be a mistake because there was a time when I thought, okay, it sounds like he's going to be traded to Cleveland. And then there was a time where I thought, well, it sounds like he's going to be traded to New England. And then there was a time I thought, okay, he's going to be traded to Pittsburgh. And then I thought there was a time he's re-signing with San Francisco.
"And here we are, on Tuesday, August 20, and nothing is still done. Nothing. And I just think that everybody—everybody—is at the point where they know they need to get resolution, whatever that is."
"The 49ers wanna get this deal done with Brandon Aiyuk & they've made him multiple offers..
I still think the more likely scenario is that he stays in San Francisco" ~ @AdamSchefter #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/nqnSvczhkg
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) August 20, 2024
