Report: Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers have trade agreement in place

The San Francisco 49ers have a trade agreement in place to send star wideout Brandon Aiyuk to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Pittsburgh is in a “good place” on a contract extension with Aiyuk and if San Francisco gives the final sign-off, the deal will be completed. Rapoport noted the 49ers have offered Aiyuk a long-term contract for him to stay which he hasn’t accepted.

Aiyuk, 26, has been available for trade after contract negotiations with San Francisco stalled. Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reported last Monday that the 49ers had the “frameworks” done on trades for Aiyuk with the Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots. Aiyuk would then have a decision between the two if he did not want to sign a contract extension with the 49ers.

The Patriots pulled out of discussions to acquire Aiyuk, as he showed no interest in signing with the franchise, even as New England offered north of $30 million annually, according to Maiocco. In Maiocco’s initial report, he pointed out that the 49ers granted the Steelers permission to speak with Aiyuk’s agent.

Steelers continuing chase for Brandon Aiyuk

Mike Garafolo of NFL Network said last week that Aiyuk’s preferred destination are the Steelers and discussions between the two franchises would continue. Aiyuk reportedly rejected a trade to Cleveland which would have sent Amari Cooper the other way, further proving his desire to go to Pittsburgh.

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. 

The Steelers have been searching for a standout receiver to pair with George Pickens, and it appears they’re close to finding it ahead of the season opener next month.