Report: Steelers re-engage in Aiyuk talks, Pats drop out
The Pittsburgh Steelers re-engaged in trade talks Tuesday with the San Francisco 49ers about disgruntled wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Talks between the two sides stalled Monday night before picking back up Tuesday, Schefter reports.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported earlier Tuesday that the Steelers were "for sure" still in the Aiyuk trade sweepstakes. Pittsburgh is one of the teams in talks with the 49ers, joining the New England Patriots and Cleveland Browns, according to Rapoport.
The 49ers reportedly had frameworks of deals completed with the Patriots and Browns on Monday, but the Steelers fell out of the race after failing to meet the 49ers' asking price.
Niners head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed Tuesday that Aiyuk, who's unhappy with the lack of a long-term extension, can talk to other teams, per 49ers on NBCS.
The 49ers apparently gave the Patriots, Browns, Steelers, and Washington Commanders permission to negotiate a contract with Aiyuk, though the latter pulled out of talks. A lucrative contract extension is expected to follow any potential trade for Aiyuk, who is scheduled to earn $14.1 million in base salary in 2024.
The Patriots have decided not to pursue any further trade possibilities for the 49ers standout receiver, sources told Schefter. The Patriots are excited about their young receivers and will instead focus on developing them.
New England reportedly had an agreement in place with the Niners and a large contract extension offer to Aiyuk on the table, but the disgruntled wideout showed no interest in going there, according to NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco.
The Patriots had been targeting Aiyuk for months and were willing to make him one of the top-five highest-paid receivers in the league, a source told ESPN's Mike Reiss.
Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo declined to comment on trade rumors Tuesday, telling reporters that he learned from Bill Belichick not to talk about players on other teams, per NFL.com's Eric Edholm. He also mentioned speaking to wide receiver Kendrick Bourne after rumors suggested the wideout would be involved in a package to acquire Aiyuk.
Aiyuk reportedly requested a trade in July after he and the 49ers couldn't agree on an extension. He reported for training camp but hasn't practiced.
Shanahan told media Tuesday that there's still a possibility of Aiyuk striking an extension with the team, according to Nick Wagoner of ESPN. A scenario where the wideout stays with the 49ers and plays out the final year of his rookie deal is also still on the table, Reiss adds.
San Francisco has been publicly adamant that it wishes to retain Aiyuk, though the team reportedly briefly shopped him and Deebo Samuel at the 2024 NFL Draft before electing to keep them.
"Brandon's a great player, so it's real hard to be better when you lose a great player," Shanahan said when asked if the 49ers could be better without the wideout, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. "Hopefully it'll work out best for him and best for us in the long run."
Aiyuk posted a career-high 1,342 receiving yards on 75 catches last season.