It appears the sweepstakes to land Brandon Aiyuk are down to two teams.
NBC Sports’ Matt Maiocco reports that the San Francisco 49ers have negotiated the framework of trades that would send the wide receiver to either the New England Patriots or Cleveland Browns.
Maiocco adds that it is now up to Aiyuk to decide which team he will agree to terms on a new contract with.
The 49ers had reportedly granted Aiyuk permission to speak with numerous teams, including the Washington Commanders and Pittsburgh Steelers.
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo and Tom Pelissero reported that Aiyuk was more likely to be traded than sign an extension with the 49ers.
The All-Pro wide receiver and the 49ers have been at odds for over a month after both sides unsuccessfully discussed a contract extension this past off-season.
Aiyuk is scheduled to play this season on a fifth-year option worth about $14.1 million, but has stated that he wants a long-term contract that would pay him significantly more money based on his production so far in his career.
The 26-year-old receiver was a key part of San Francisco’s offence last season as he formed a great connection with quarterback Brock Purdy. Aiyuk had 75 catches and a career-high 1,375 yards last season with seven touchdowns as he earned second-team All-Pro honours.
Aiyuk has 269 catches for 3,931 yards and 25 TDs in four seasons since being drafted 25th overall in 2020 but has taken off since Purdy became quarterback.
—With files from the Associated Press.
According to a recent report, there have been discussions surrounding potential trade scenarios involving San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk with the Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots. Aiyuk, who was selected by the 49ers in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, has shown flashes of brilliance during his time in San Francisco but has also faced some challenges.
The Browns, who are in need of a reliable receiving option to complement star wideout Odell Beckham Jr., could be a potential landing spot for Aiyuk. With Beckham Jr. returning from injury and uncertainty surrounding the future of Jarvis Landry, Aiyuk could provide a young and talented option for quarterback Baker Mayfield. Aiyuk’s speed and ability to make plays after the catch could make him a valuable asset in the Browns’ offense.
On the other hand, the Patriots are also in need of help at the wide receiver position. With veteran Julian Edelman nearing the end of his career and uncertainty surrounding the production of their current receiving corps, Aiyuk could be a valuable addition to New England’s offense. Head coach Bill Belichick is known for maximizing the talents of his players, and Aiyuk’s skill set could thrive in the Patriots’ system.
While these trade scenarios are purely speculative at this point, it is clear that Aiyuk’s potential is being recognized by other teams in the league. The 49ers will have to weigh their options carefully and decide if trading Aiyuk is in the best interest of the team moving forward. Ultimately, it will be interesting to see how this situation unfolds and if Aiyuk ends up with a new team before the start of the upcoming NFL season.