Sports radio host Andrew Fillipponi tweeted that, according to sources, the Pittsburgh Steelers have a verbal agreement to acquire wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk from the San Francisco 49ers. While it’s not yet confirmed that the trade will push through, both teams are ironing out the transaction’s particulars.
Aiyuk and the 49ers have reached an impasse regarding his contract extension because they disagreed on a price tag. The All-Pro wideout wanted an annual average salary among the highest-paid wide receivers, while San Francisco offered less than Aiyuk desired.
Sources: The Steelers have a verbal agreement in place with the 49ers for Brandon Aiyuk. All the terms of the deal and contract details are being hammered out now. The WR is coming to Pittsburgh. pic.twitter.com/LdueV9dSNT
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) August 7, 2024
The standoff led to the Niners opening trade talks for Aiyuk, and the Steelers, New England Patriots, and Cleveland Browns showed interest. However, the Patriots deferred from trading for Aiyuk even if ESPN NFL Nation reporter Mike Reiss shared that the team is willing to offer a contract that averages $32 million annually. That amount would have tied him with A.J. Brown for the second-richest contract among wideouts.
As for the Browns, they didn't make any significant progress from their intention to trade for the former Arizona State standout. With Pittsburgh potentially getting Aiyuk, their starting quarterback will have a dynamic receiver duo featuring him and George Pickens.
Fillipponi's update made football fans recall Aiyuk's tweet to Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin earlier this offseason, claiming they look alike. By the looks of it, they might be on the same sideline starting this season.
Meanwhile, anticipating Aiyuk's potential departure, the 49ers worked out wide receiver Robbie Chosen and signed Frank Darby.
-Lance Fernandez