Report: 49ers have 'framework' of Brandon Aiyuk trade with Patriots, Browns

The San Francisco 49ers have negotiated the frameworks of trades which would send star wideout Brandon Aiyuk to the New England Patriots and the Cleveland Browns, according to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area.

Aiyuk, who has been at a standstill in contract negotiations with the 49ers for months, now has the power to decide if he wants to accept the contract terms from either the Patriots or Browns. Both the packages will likely send a veteran receiver and a package of draft picks to San Francisco. Cleveland would be in position to acquire Aiyuk if Amari Cooper goes the other way to the 49ers. New England, meanwhile, is expected to include former 49er Kendrick Bourne in its proposal.

The Washington Commanders and Pittsburgh Steelers were also granted permission by San Francisco to negotiate potential contracts with Aiyuk’s agent. Per Maiocco, the Commanders are no longer in discussions to acquire and sign Aiyuk. The Steelers, meanwhile, pulled themselves out of the running after declining to meet the 49ers’ trade demands.

Brandon Aiyuk trade coming soon?

If Aiyuk turns down the opportunity to join the Patriots or Browns, it remains a possibility for him to return to the 49ers. Mike Garafolo and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported earlier on Monday that it was more likely that the 49ers would trade Aiyuk to another team rather than sign him to an extension. 

“As fluid a situation as I can recall recently,” Garafolo wrote Monday on X. “Feels like we’re getting closer to a resolution with Brandon Aiyuk and the #49ers but not there yet.”

Aiyuk, the 2020 first round pick (25th overall) out of Arizona State, hauled in 75 receptions for a career-high 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns this past season. He earned a second-team All-Pro nomination. For his career, he has tallied 269 receptions for 3,931 yards and 25 scores. The 49ers picked up Aiyuk’s fifth-year option last offseason, guaranteeing him $14.12 million in 2024.

Aiyuk has yet to participate in training camp as he waits for his contract situation to become resolved.