Report: Aiyuk resumes contract talks with 49ers after nixing trade to Browns

The San Francisco 49ers renewed their efforts to strike a long-term deal with wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, sources told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo.

A return to the Niners is reportedly increasingly possible. The potential of Aiyuk joining another team remains open - the Pittsburgh Steelers are still in the mix to acquire the disgruntled wideout.

However, a deal to send Aiyuk to the Browns fell apart because Cleveland isn't among the veteran receiver's preferred destinations, sources told NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco. The deal would've sent receiver Amari Cooper, along with second- and fifth-round draft picks, to San Francisco.

Aiyuk's status has been one of the hottest topics since the start of training camp. The 26-year-old has been upset with the lack of progress toward a long-term extension as he enters the final season of his rookie contract. He's set to earn $14.1 million over the 2024 campaign.

The Arizona State product requested a trade in July after failing to come to terms on a new deal with the Niners. Aiyuk reported to training camp but hasn't participated in practices.

Aiyuk weighed in on the latest development with an Instagram comment that appeared to be directed at the organization.

"Niners be in the media every day lol," Aiyuk wrote. "It's two options out there. Pick one and stop dropping reports, simple."

San Francisco permitted Aiyuk to speak with other teams to help facilitate a trade. The Steelers, Washington Commanders, Browns, and New England Patriots were among the teams involved in discussions.

The Niners star has publicly expressed a desire to play for the Steelers. Yet Pittsburgh is unwilling to provide San Francisco with its desired draft picks, which includes second- and third-round selections, per Maiocco.

Aiyuk refused a trade to the Patriots that would've resulted in him signing a contract extension averaging around $32 million per year, The Athletic's Dianna Russini reports.

The 49ers and Patriots agreed on trade compensation, but Aiyuk turned down the offer because New England's quarterback situation isn't at the level he wants, Russini adds.

The Patriots roster quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett, Drake Maye, Bailey Zappe, and Joe Milton. The club selected Maye third overall and Milton in the sixth round in April's draft.

Brissett is expected to open the season as New England's starter. The 31-year-old has spent most of his career as a backup and has thrown for 10,574 yards, 51 touchdowns, and 23 interceptions across 79 career games (48 starts).

A $32-million-per-season deal would tie Philadelphia Eagles wideout A.J. Brown for the second-highest average annual value at the position, according to Over the Cap.