If Aiyuk opts for the Steelers' deal, the 49ers have already laid the groundwork for a trade. Multiple sources believe the deal would be finalized quickly if Aiyuk chooses this path.
Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports that the 49ers and Aiyuk are close in the negotiation process, which would explain the delay in a decision. It's evident that Aiyuk still wants to stay in San Francisco, given that he hasn't yet instructed the team to proceed with the trade to Pittsburgh.
"What I've been told is that Brandon Aiyuk would prefer to stay with the 49ers, and has always preferred to stay with the 49ers, all things being equal," Garafolo said on NFL Network's The Insiders. "Now, they haven't been equal, but they did make that offer. In fact, both sides sent proposals within the last, I don't know, couple days, week or so, and the 49ers' number has gotten better than what it was previously."
It's believed the 49ers' previous offer would have paid Aiyuk around $26 million annually, a figure the team has been firm on for months. Negotiations resumed last week.
"From my understanding, they have agreed on a lot of the main points of the deal," Garafolo continued. "Their offers are in line, but it sounds like there's just one more thing that needs to be ironed out. And if that thing gets ironed out, Brandon Aiyuk signs the deal, he stays with the 49ers, he drops the trade request, and finally, [he] can put this situation behind him, and the Niners can put it behind [them]."
This development is encouraging for fans hoping the 49ers can keep Aiyuk on the roster.
Garafolo added, "As far as Aiyuk is concerned, it sounds like the ball is in the 49ers' court, and he's hoping that they can just make the final adjustment and get this thing done and stay with the Niners. We'll see."