This soap opera is now likely heading towards frustration and dispute! Brandon Aiyuk is entering the final year of his rookie contract, in which he will earn around $14 million in the 2024 season. However, as the market price of the receivers is high, especially after Justin Jefferson’s monster contract worth $140 million for four years, Aiyuk too wants something similar to it.

But as the San Francisco 49ers are unwilling to pay him that amount, they have reportedly dedicated themselves to part ways with Aiyuk, at least unofficially for now. This is because they are waiting for another team negotiation, which can trade him on something similar to his demand. And as of now, the teams which are currently reportedly offering him are – Patriots, Browns, and Steelers. But according to Mike Florio, the tension between the two parties (the Niners & Aiyuk) is growing, and it seems Aiyuk is becoming a “headache” for coach Kyle Shanahan.

Kyle Shanahan is angry with Brandon Aiyuk?

In a recent episode of NFL on NBC on August 7, 2024, Mike Florio discussed the growing tension between Brandon Aiyuk and the Santa Clara team. The veteran analyst highlighted Mike Silver of the San Francisco Chronicle’s report, wherein he stated, “Aiyuk’s decision to show up for training camp but not practice is bothering coach Kyle Shanahan, in part because it’s perceived that Aiyuk is “brooding” while in and around the building.”

Hence as per Florio, Aiyuk’s “hold in” approach “could be a ticket out” for him from the Niners. He said that earlier it was reported that five teams in total have expressed serious interest in trading the WR. These teams were even willing to meet Aiyuk’s hefty salary demands, which were around $28 million per year, or possibly more now.

However, the 49ers didn’t accept any of these trade offers. Why?

This was because, in Florio’s words, “The 49ers have to say to themselves if there are all these teams out there that are willing to pay this guy what he wants and give us something of value in return for his contract maybe we should just pay the guy and keep it maybe we should make him our number one receiver.” Now as Shanahan has been waiting for any good value in return from the team which is interested in Aiyuk, it remains to be seen where he goes. According to Florio, the perfect winner of this trade currently seems to be the Steelers. Why?

One, because Aiyuk too wants to go there, as the team is in dire need of a good WR, and Aiyuk thinks he could fit in well. Two, because of the Steelers’ key trait of being one of the most patient franchises in the league. He said, “Steelers may win this thing just by virtue of being patient, being very resolute with what their offers are and maybe the 49ers end up taking less than they want and Aiyuk ends up taking less than wants and the Steelers have another receiver in the mix there.”

Additionally, this patience level of the Steelers can also be seen in the longevity of their head coach, Mike Tomlin, who has been with the team since 2007. This demonstrates remarkable patience, especially considering that Tomlin has not secured a Super Bowl victory since his arrival.

So, will Tomlin’s strategy and Steelers’ patience bring Aiyuk into the team, and mold him to contribute to their Super Bowl journey?

There are obstacles for the Steelers in trading Bradon Aiyuk!

Brandon Aiyuk recently set the rumor mill spinning with a cheeky message to Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. He wrote, “Coach Tomlin, they saying we twins. What you think?” This playful interaction has everyone wondering if a trade could be on the horizon. Sportswriter Gerry Dulac thinks the Steelers might be interested in Aiyuk, but there’s a catch. The cost to acquire him would be enormous, both in terms of draft picks and salary. The 49ers reportedly asked the Jacksonville Jaguars for their No. 17 overall pick and wide receiver Zay Jones, plus taking on Aiyuk’s $14.124 million salary for 2024. The Jaguars felt this was too steep and backed out.

So, the Steelers might need to offer something similar or more, maybe their 20th and 98th overall picks. But even that might not be enough, as the 49ers seem keen on keeping Aiyuk unless a very good option is available to them in terms of picks. That means, if the Steelers want Aiyuk, they’d also have to prepare for a hefty new contract, because the estimates suggest he could command anywhere from $24 million to over $30 million per year, making him one of the highest-paid receivers in the league.

While Aiyuk would be a fantastic addition to the Steelers, boosting their offense alongside George Pickens, the price to bring him on board would be high. Both in terms of draft picks and salary, it’s a big commitment for the Steelers to consider.