The Brandon Aiyuk saga continues to drag on for the San Francisco 49ers, but a wrinkle was thrown into things on Tuesday. The Pittsburgh Steelers reportedly have a deal in place to land the 26-year-old receiver if the 49ers decide to go in that direction.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport is reporting the Steelers have a trade in place with San Francisco to acquire Aiyuk. He added that Pittsburgh is "in a good place" on an Aiyuk contract extension. The 49ers have offered Aiyuk a long-term deal to keep him, but he hasn't accepted it.
Pittsburgh has been Aiyuk's most likely destination for a few weeks, as he would fill a huge need for the roster. The Steelers are without a top wideout, and he would represent a massive upgrade to the current receiving corps.
Aiyuk was named second-team All-Pro last season as he racked up 75 receptions for a career-high 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns. He also set a career mark at 17.9 yards per reception. He was a huge part of San Francisco's march to Super Bowl LVIII, catching nine passes for 149 yards and a score in the postseason.
The 49ers have thus far balked at giving Aiyuk the long-term deal he's seeking. The former first-round pick is entering the final season of his rookie deal and is slated to make $14.1 million in 2024. It's not surprising that he wants a long-term commitment.
According to Rapoport, he may get the deal he seeks, but it could be coming from the Steelers.
This article was originally published on www.si.com as Steelers Have Potential Trade for 49ers' Brandon Aiyuk in Place, per Report.