Although the NFL has produced multiple storylines throughout the off-season, none of them could come close to the 49ers and Brandon Aiyuk’s contractual face-off. With new details every other week, the 49ers’ head coach, Kyle Shanahan, might have already grown tired of the situation.

His appearance on SiriusXM NFL Radio addressed how the 49ers are facing uncertainty in their offense amid Aiyuk’s contractual dilemma. “Not having a guy like Brandon out there is huge but we got some really young guys who are battling all the time,” Shanahan stated. Well, Aiyuk would surely be more than a huge miss in the 49ers’ offense that had him posting 75 receptions, 1342 reception yards, and seven TDs.

But he was also quick to point out how they have added strength in those positions by mentioning, “We brought in some older vets that we are gonna mix in there. Everyone trying to earn that spot cause you never know week 1 gonna look.” This veteran WR is none other than Robbie Chosen, who has played eight seasons in the NFL while amassing 379 catches for 5,082 yards and 30 TDs. But whether the veteran will be able to fill Aiyuk’s shoes remains an unanswered question.

Shanahan also voiced his concerns regarding a player getting injured in Week One, which could derail the whole season’s plan. “You have big plans for the season and you got to go the whole season with the part missing. Right now, it’s almost like we’re preparing that way because guys aren’t here,” Shanahan said. Although he initially mentions how Aiyuk’s ‘hold-in’ is derailing his plans for the new season, Other players getting injured might fracture the 49ers’ ambitions for an important season.

Even though the 49ers have Deebo Samuel in their ranks, reporting in peak physical condition, they still have Ricky Pearsall battling with a shoulder injury. However, the 49ers HC is still hopeful that Pearsall can return and play an integral part in his rookie season. Adding to those problems, recently crowned NFL Offensive Player of the Year RB Christian McCaffrey has been ruled out of pre-season with a calf strain.

Meanwhile, All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams is also in a ‘hold-out.’ But that issue is largely overshadowed by Aiyuk’s ‘hold-in,’ which doesn’t seem to have any conclusions. To add more spice to the drama, the 49ers recently allowed their star WR to take on potential suitors. Therefore, we can’t help but wonder where the 49ers WR would land amid a host of interests.

Brandon Aiyuk’s possible next destination in the NFL

Currently, Aiyuk has a contract worth $14.1 million with a fifth-year option activated this season. Thus, it is not surprising to see Aiyuk asking for a long-term deal with improved financials. Amid a broken WR market, numerous players similar to Aiyuk’s position have signed contracts worth far more than his.

His role in San Francisco’s offense doesn’t make those demands seem unconditional. Although multiple teams like the Cleveland Browns, New England Patriots, and Pittsburgh Steelers are considered top suitors, his next destination is yet to be decided. For a while, it seemed like the Patriots might be awaiting Aiyuk’s arrival in Foxboro. However, things soon took a quick turn when the Patriots understood the lack of interest in Aiyuk moving with them.

Although they had prepared a contract worth more than $32 million, it might not have been enough to sway Aiyuk away from the 49ers. This brought us back to the Steelers, who had been interested in Aiyuk since the beginning of trade talks. Well, this move has its own problems, as the 49ers aren’t willing to let go of their WR without a suitable replacement. Aiyuk could be the missing piece that can build the Steelers’ offense for next season.

But there aren’t many players they could offer in return. George Pickens, who is entering his third year of the rookie deal, could be an option. Even promising receivers like Van Jefferson and Calvin Austin III could make their switch to Levi’s Stadium. However, looking at Shanahan’s offense, he mostly prefers bigger and more physical receivers, which either of them aren’t. With no players yet to be decided, this trade deal involving the 49ers and other clubs is far from over. But as the new season approaches fast, both Aiyuk and the 49ers hope they can come to a resolution soon.