Multiple reports indicate that the 49ers have restarted contract negotiations with Aiyuk after months of holding firm on their previous offer, which would have likely averaged around $26 million per year for the receiver.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that Aiyuk and his representatives recently met with head coach Kyle Shanahan and other key figures within the organization, allowing both sides to share "some open and candid thoughts." This led to the resumption of negotiations on a long-term deal.
RELATED: Report: 49ers restart contract talks with Aiyuk after meeting with Shanahan
"The two sides have since restarted negotiations on a long-term deal and there is some optimism that Aiyuk could remain in SF," Schultz added.
Meanwhile, according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the Steelers have not spoken with the 49ers about Aiyuk in the past 24 hours.
Aiyuk requested a trade before reporting to training camp and has refused to practice without securing a long-term contract, effectively "holding in" during camp. He is set to earn $14.124 million on a team-exercised fifth-year option but is seeking a deal to make him one of the NFL's highest-paid receivers, likely around $30 million annually.
On Thursday, Shanahan was asked if he hoped for a quick resolution to the ongoing situation. He responded, "I hope it does. Man, that would be awesome to wake up one day and know we have this solved."