The month of June has been full of news pertaining to the strained contract negotiations between wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and the 49ers. As things currently stand, it appears that a trade is no longer expected separate the two parties, but negotiations seem to be at a standstill as both sides refuse to cede ground on price. While most all signs are still pointing to Aiyuk playing for San Francisco in 2024, he did mention two other teams whose uniforms he could see himself in should negotiations fall through over the summer. 
In his appearance on The Pivot Podcast (video link), Aiyuk was asked what uniform he sees himself playing in next season. “If I were to take a guess, probably a Niner uniform,” he answered. “Probably a Niner uniform. If not a Niners uniform, probably a Washington Commanders uniform. If not a Washington Commanders uniform, probably a Steelers uniform.”
Aiyuk would be a phenomenal addition to either squad. In D.C., the second-team All-Pro wideout would join Terry McLaurin atop the depth chart as Jahan Dotson would return to a WR3 role. Aiyuk would be a massive upgrade over last year’s WR2, Curtis Samuel. Currently, without Aiyuk, Washington has Dotson bumping up to WR2 in his third season as Dyami Brown, Olamide Zaccheus, and Jamison Crowder attempt to hold off third-round rookie Luke McCaffrey for the WR3 job.
Aiyuk would also be an interesting addition to the Commanders due to his history with No. 2 overall pick Jayden Daniels. The rookie out of LSU transferred to Baton Rouge after three years at Arizona State. Daniels’ freshman season in Tempe aligned with Aiyuk’s senior year with the Sun Devils. Working together on offense, Aiyuk led the team with 65 catches for 1,192 yards and eight touchdowns. Reuniting the two could be a huge safety blanket for Daniels as he makes the jump to professional play.
It’s been no secret that the Steelers are looking for veteran wide receiver help after sending Diontae Johnson to Carolina. The team currently rosters budding star George Pickens and Van Jefferson, who impressed in 2021 with an 800-yard, six-touchdown season but has faltered in the two seasons since. Pittsburgh also selected Michigan wide receiver Roman Wilson in the third round of this year’s draft and are holding out hope that third-year wideout Calvin Austin will blossom soon.
Still adding Aiyuk to the roster in Pittsburgh would be huge for new quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. The Steelers showed early interest in acquiring Aiyuk’s teammate, Deebo Samuel, back around the time of the draft, but should Aiyuk come up in an offer, it’s hard to imagine they would turn him away.
When all is said and done, it’s still widely expected that Aiyuk will remain in the Bay Area for at least next season. The two sides continue to work towards a common goal, but the 49ers seem to be employing similar tactics as they did when extending Samuel two years ago. If that road continues, a new Aiyuk deal could be coming around the end of July, like Samuel’s did. Should things fall through, though, it sounds like Aiyuk is open to a change of scenery.
Commanders
I wish but not at that price. No idea what they’d want in a trade but I’m sure it’s a ton of
Yeah
Bogus headline! Just because Aiyuk might have an interest in playing for Washington or Pittsburgh doesn’t mean they have any interest in making him a part of their plans. He probably would gotten around to naming ever team if the podcast was longer…lol.
He is really close friends with Daniels. If Daniels is a true franchise QB you best believe Commanders will have an interest.
With Steelers I think he has some relationship with Tomlin.
Steelers need him, he said he’d consider them and I am sure they’d be willing to give up some picks (including a 1st round) to get him. I doubt it happens, but the Steelers would make a deal if it does.
If they were willing to trade a 1st for him, I think he’d already be on the roster.
Aiyuk is basically untradeable – as he cost the 49ers a first round pick and isn’t worth much more than that in today’s trade market – especially since he is going to ask for superstar money from his next team. Now if a team offered a starting-level player with a reasonable contract (and a pick), then the 49ers might go for that in order to get a better grasp on next year’s cap situation. But that hardly proves to be a benefit for the team getting Aiyuk.
Please cardinals. Lol
When all is said and done, Aiyuk will sign a deal with the Niners and Deebo will be the one who will go elsewhere at the end of his contract. Everything that’s happening now is positioning by agents and front offices.
I agree, but they wont have much leverage trading Deebo next offseason. The whole league will know they need to dump him. They better hope he balls out this year, or they could be looking at just a Day 3 pick.
I still believe this is Aiyuk’s last yr in that jersey.. he’s gonna play this year out and then there gonna let him walk for the comp pick .. Make no mistake, no defensive coordinator is scared of BA .. it’s deebo that makes them scary.. can’t pay everyone and they already paid the right WR
Deebo turns 30 next year and takes a lot more wear and tear than your average WR. I suspect SF will be weary of that and bet on the younger horse.
I’m tired of reading about this guy. Talented on the field but not understanding situation. I get he wants hs money but the 49ers are in a bad spot right now. Already facing money crunch next year and Purdy salary is coming.