More Brandon Aiyuk drama is unfolding as the San Francisco 49ers are headed into the preseason. Teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, the New England Patriots, and the Cleveland Browns are now interested in acquiring the stalwart receiver. While the 49ers’ management and players, including Nick Bosa and Kyle Shanahan, are positive during this uncertain time, the Niners are not slated to reach a financial agreement anytime soon.

Nick Bosa, in a recent presser, gave a candid opinion on Aiyuk’s position. He said, “It’s brutal, especially when you’re here and you have that extra pressure on you. I’ve talked to him a few times, just as a friend, but when it comes to what’s actually going on behind closed doors, I have no knowledge or input. So, it will get worked out.” Who better could have given this insight than the man who held out for 37 days last year before signing a mega 5-year $170M deal?

A minor recap of the offseason development. Aiyuk did not participate in the practice and persisted in his hold-in. In all the eleven practices, the WR took solace in the sidelines and merely spectated the entire training. However. his presence was evident during meetings and discussions, per ESPN. While the professional faces a dark and uncertain period in his life, his current teammate Bosa believes that things will work out fine.

Coach Kyle Shanahan expressed a similar optimistic mindset. “It’s been at this point for a little bit, so nothing really new to me,” Shanahan told Nick Wagoner. “I mean you’re always disappointed when you can’t keep hold of all your players or it’s not going exactly right. I don’t like losing anybody, so that’s why I’m hoping it does work out here, but right now we don’t have that solved yet. So, I hope it does.”

However, as the 49ers are trying to be positive about the entire situation, their actions scream a pipeline dream when it comes to Aiyuk. Not only are there no talks regarding the contract but the WR has also been permitted to negotiate with other teams. Reportedly, the New England Patriots offered Aiyuk more than $30 million but later changed their minds about any deal.

Seemingly, Aiyuk wasn’t interested in joining a team that could not help him get a Super Bowl ring. Initially, it was reported that the Patriots had been interested in Aiyuk for months and were even willing to make him top 5 highest-paid receivers. However, according to the latest revelations, the Pats have taken a step back from acquiring Aiyuk and Steelers have taken over their position in the chase.

Brandon Aiyuk is a hot pick in the NFL right now

There were initially 4 teams that were interested in Brandon Aiyuk: the New England Patriots, the Washington Commanders, the Cleveland Browns, and the Pittsburgh Steelers. As it happens, the Washington team is not in the conversation anymore. To add to the woes, the New England Patriots have also backed out from the deal because they want to improve the roster they have right now. The only logical choice remains the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Steelers have an amazing roster this year. The presence of a Super Bowl-winning quarterback might be lucrative for Brandon Aiyuk. He will be a great addition beside George Pickens who had a breakout season last year. It had been earlier reported that the 49ers and the Steelers halted negotiations, but now they’re back at it again. Adam Schefter confirmed it recently.

“Steelers and 49ers re-engaged in conversations mid-day today regarding Brandon Aiyuk, per league sources. As of Monday night, the 49ers-Steelers talks stalled. But there have been further conversations today in an ever-fluid situation that still involves other teams as well.” Schefter posted on X. Even Ian Rapoport thinks that the Steelers and the 49ers are “for sure in it [trade talks] right now.”

Brandon Aiyuk has some advantage right now because his contract has a no-trade clause which means he can shut down a deal if he wants to. The Steelers have some room in their cap space and the GM Omar Khan can surely make things happen if he wants to. After Diontae Johnson left the Steel City team, they require a wideout who can replace him.

Who better than Aiyuk? The former No. 25 overall pick had an energizing 2023 season:

This allowed him to have 17.9 yards per reception which is ranked second in the NFL among players behind George Pickens. Meanwhile, the 3.1 yards per route from the WR has allowed him to take third berth, right behind Tyreek Hill and Nico Collins. Isn’t that worth acquiring? Well, even Aiyuk’s “preferred destination” is Pittsburgh, according to NFL media’s Mike Garafolo.