Brandon Aiyuk Says No Thanks to New England: Steelers, Commanders Top Remaining Options for 49ers WR

As the San Francisco 49ers continue to shop rising star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, one team has reportedly dropped out of the race. While the Niners are certainly seeking the most trade compensation possible for Aiyuk, his contract situation will make things difficult.

Although Aiyuk doesn’t technically have a no-trade clause in his current contract, his desire to sign a long-term extension with his next team is imperative. This is exactly why the best offer that San Francisco may have received has reportedly fallen through.

Brandon Aiyuk Declined Patriots’ Offer Despite Agreement in Place With 49ers

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the New England Patriots decided not to explore any further trade possibilities with the Niners for Aiyuk. Schefter mentioned New England’s excitement about the team’s young wide receivers, as the franchise shifts its focus to developing the talent that is already in place.

While Schefter was certainly doing some damage control with the wording in his report, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area shed some light on the situation. Maiocco reported that the Niners and Patriots had an agreement in place, which included a large contract offer for Aiyuk, yet the 26-year-old wide receiver showed no interest in going to New England.

The Patriots had an agreement in place with the 49ers and a large offer to Aiyuk on the table, but he did not show interest in going there. https://t.co/A9saTjG2bI

— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) August 7, 2024

Given New England’s uncertainty at quarterback, it’s no surprise that Aiyuk turned down the Patriots’ offer. Yet it does peel back the curtain a bit, as money might not be the only factor in Aiyuk’s search for a new team. It’s clear that the rising star wide receiver wants to land in the best situation on the field as well.

Although the deal with the Patriots seemingly fell through, there are still several teams reportedly vying for Aiyuk’s services. Now it’s up to the Niners and Aiyuk to work together and hammer out a deal that satisfies all parties involved.

Steelers, Commanders Among Top Remaining Options for Aiyuk

While several teams have reportedly dropped out of the race for Aiyuk, there are plenty of intriguing options remaining on the trade market. As several franchises around the NFL have prioritized signing their young wide receivers to massive contract extensions this offseason, a player of Aiyuk’s caliber and age rarely becomes available.

This is exactly why many teams with a need at the position are making a run at the rising star. Aiyuk is coming off the best season of his NFL career, as he hauled in 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns. Yet the Niners are apparently content with trading Aiyuk after selecting Ricky Pearsall with the No. 31 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Niners head coach Kyle Shanahan seems to believe that he can replace Aiyuk’s production in San Francisco. While it remains to be seen if that is the case, several teams make sense as potential landing spots for Aiyuk right now.

Pittsburgh Steelers

As the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare to make a run in the AFC, it’s clear that the team needs help at wide receiver. While George Pickens has certainly shown tons of potential, the Steelers traded away Diontae Johnson earlier this offseason and need help at the position.

Although the Steelers only have roughly $15 million in cap space, Pittsburgh could structure Aiyuk’s contract to fit within their current cap situation. Aiyuk and Pickens would immediately form one of the most promising wide receiver duos in the NFL.

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But Pittsburgh’s quarterback situation could make Aiyuk skeptical of signing a long-term deal with the Steelers. While he has spoken highly of the team in the past, the Steelers don’t necessarily have a long-term answer at quarterback as Russell Wilson and Justin Fields will each be free agents in 2025.

Washington Commanders

The Washington Commanders might offer the most obvious fit on the field for Aiyuk as it would allow him to reunite with his former college quarterback at Arizona State, Commanders rookie Jayden Daniels.

Aiyuk hasn’t shied away from showing his relationship with Daniels, as he famously shared this clip of the pair talking about San Francisco’s unwillingness to meet his contract demands. If the Commanders can meet the Niners’ asking price, it seems like Aiyuk would love to play with his former college teammate in Washington, D.C.

Brandon Aiyuk tells Jayden Daniels on FaceTime “They don’t want me back” 🤔

(H/T Jpet82/X BrandonAiyuk/TT) pic.twitter.com/WA3gLuDVX1

— Whistle (@WhistleSports) June 17, 2024

Cleveland Browns

In addition to Maiocco’s report about Aiyuk denying New England’s offer, he also shared the details of San Francisco’s negotiations with the Cleveland Browns. According to Maiocco, the Niners and Browns already have an agreement in place, but it all depends on Aiyuk’s willingness to accept Cleveland’s contract offer.

Maiocco also mentions that the trade would likely send Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper to the Niners, which would make a ton of sense for San Francisco, as the team certainly wants to continue to contend for a Super Bowl. Swapping Aiyuk for Cooper and draft compensation would be a potential home run for the Niners.

Las Vegas Raiders

Another potential trade partner that has been floated out there is the Las Vegas Raiders. Similar to Cleveland’s reported deal with San Francisco, the Raiders could offer a top wide receiver in their potential trade package for Aiyuk.

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It’s no secret that Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams appeared frustrated in Las Vegas last season. Therefore, if Las Vegas is willing to trade Adams, it could make sense to include him in a potential deal for Aiyuk.

While player-for-player trades are certainly difficult in the NFL, this trade would make sense for both sides. The Niners would land one of the best players at the position, while the Raiders would land a long-term answer at wide receiver.