Brandon Aiyuk apparently came very close to joining the Pittsburgh Steelers.
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan told Aiyuk that he had to decide between remaining with the team or being dealt to the Steelers by the end of practice on the day the wide receiver signed his extension, FOX Sports' Jay Glazer reports.
The 49ers were finalizing a trade to send Aiyuk to Pittsburgh before he inked his new deal, Glazer adds.
Aiyuk elected to remain with the 49ers on a reported four-year, $120-million extension, including $76 million guaranteed.
The 26-year-old had a career year in 2023, posting 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns on 75 receptions to earn a second-team All-Pro nod. Aiyuk's expected to operate as the explosive offense's top receiving threat this season alongside fellow wideout Deebo Samuel, tight end George Kittle, and running back Christian McCaffrey.
The Steelers remain thin at receiver behind George Pickens. Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin, and rookie Roman Wilson are competing for the No. 2 role in 2024.
Aiyuk and the 49ers open the season on Monday Night Football against the New York Jets. Pittsburgh starts its campaign against the Atlanta Falcons.
