Recent reports suggest that Brandon Aiyuk will most likely sign a contract extension with the San Francisco 49ers. However, the Pittsburgh Steelers are prepared to trade for the star receiver if negotiations break down.
For a while, the focus has been on either San Francisco or Pittsburgh as Aiyuk's home for the upcoming season. Other teams, like the Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots, were seemingly out of the running. But a 49ers insider has reintroduced another team into the mix, one that hasn't been seriously considered in months.
"My updated information is that everything is still on the table, including all the trades you've heard about," Michael Silver of the San Francisco Chronicle said Thursday on Bay Area radio station KNBR. "And I know the Patriots have said that's over. Maybe they're less likely, but I think that Steelers scenario, where you get picks, flip a pick, get a player from someone else, is on the table.
"I wouldn't rule out Washington. And I know there have been reports that the Commanders are out, but they just traded a receiver [on Thursday]."
The idea of Aiyuk joining the Commanders is somewhat plausible. Silver mentioned that Washington recently traded wide receiver Jahan Dotson to the Philadelphia Eagles. Aiyuk joining the Commanders would reunite him with his former Arizona State teammate, rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.
"[Washington GM and former 49ers assistant GM] Adam Peters and [49ers GM] John Lynch obviously can communicate very easily on this," Silver continued. "That's the other team besides the Steelers that Aiyuk has honed in on as where he wants to go. And I know people think because something gets reported that it's closed, it's closed, but I don't think it's ever really closed."
Silver understands fans are tired of the constant speculation surrounding Aiyuk, given the many contradictory reports. He advises, "Consume your news carefully and understand that the people who are really good at this have not taken big swings for the most part."
Regarding a potential trade to Washington, Silver added, "Again, my reporting suggests that is not dead, so I stand by that."
With Week 1 of the regular season quickly approaching, time is running out to finalize a deal for Aiyuk before the 49ers face the New York Jets on September 9.
Lynch recently acknowledged the urgency of reaching an agreement with Aiyuk. However, during a Thursday morning radio interview, he provided no significant updates on the negotiations.
"I can tell you that we've continued to be in communication," Lynch said. "Just nothing to report there. Just going to leave it at that, and we'll continue to work on it."
You can listen to the entire conversation with Silver below.
