While Aiyuk reportedly aims for an annual salary closer to $30 million, the 49ers have held firm on their last offer, reportedly in the $26 million-per-year range. The team must also plan for the future, with quarterback Brock Purdy expected to become one of the NFL's highest-paid players next year.
San Francisco has already secured contract extensions for star running back Christian McCaffrey and veteran receiver Jauan Jennings. Meanwhile, Trent Williams, one of the best offensive linemen of all time, is holding out of training camp and hoping for a contract restructuring as well.
The Pittsburgh Steelers re-emerged this week as a potential landing spot for Aiyuk, and negotiations with the receiver might actually help the 49ers sign their disgruntled player. At least, that's what Breer speculates.
"Let's say the Steelers' offer is, hypothetically, right around $28 million per year (a number I heard earlier in the week)," Breer wrote in response to a fan question in his mailbag feature for Sports Illustrated. "Is that enough to get Aiyuk to go there? Or could that provide the framework for a deal with the Niners? To me, that's the benefit of taking this route if you're San Francisco."
It's an interesting take. Could the 49ers be allowing the Steelers to determine how low Aiyuk is willing to go in his contract demands? While Pittsburgh is a desirable destination for the receiver, staying with the 49ers, a Super Bowl contender, has to be more appealing—especially if they can match or come close to the Steelers' offer.
Aiyuk's former coach at Arizona State, Herm Edwards, was asked during a radio interview if he believes Aiyuk still wants to play for the 49ers.
"Absolutely," Edwards, who speaks to Aiyuk regularly, responded. "Brandon likes to win, and he wants to win. And why not? You're on a winning team, and you got a team that, obviously, every year, is picked ... to go to the Super Bowl to represent the NFC. And they've been close."
Breer concluded, "One way or the other, you're driving toward a conclusion, and giving yourself another shot at keeping him. Which is what Plan A always was for the Niners."