At this point, it feels like Brandon Aiyuk and the San Francisco 49ers are playing a game of chicken. NFL analysts all over the space are positive that we should be hearing about a new Aiyuk deal anytime soon. But, this tug-of-war kind of situation between the Niners and the WR has dragged other teams into the contract drama as well, especially the Steelers who seem keen to acquire Aiyuk.

However, the 49ers expressed that they wanted to stick with their receiver, just a consensus regarding the number needs to be drawn. Now, a number is reportedly in place, and the 26-year-old is waiting to stamp it. Aiyuk’s situation has currently given air to speculations about where the WR should play next and James Jones of SPEAK had some interesting things to say about the drama.

As LeSean McCoy pointed out, “Tomorrow is not guaranteed” and that’s precisely why James Jones thinks the WR should move on. “But that’s why I think Brand Aiyuk should have been gone,” said Jones. “This is the number they are offering you. This is where they value you at, $26-$27 million. ‘That’s where we value you at. Yes, we want you, but this is where we value you at because we know we got Deebo…’”

This strong, straight answer from Jones’ side was regarding McCoy’s comment on how the Niners made it a point to clarify that Brandon Aiyuk is one of the best but did nothing to show love to him. While McCoy’s idea is simple, “Why not get me [Aiyuk] signed, get Trent [Williams] signed, and let’s do this thing?” James seems to evidently advocate for Aiyuk to stop the cat-and-mouse chase with the 49ers and move to a new destination.

However, the setup isn’t that simple. As of this moment, the Niners have $47.8 million in cap space (first in the league), per Spotrac. Next year, Spotrac says this number will go down to negative $11 million and that’s when the real problems will start. Brock Purdy and Deebo Samuel will ask for a contract extension and it will put the team in a tricky situation.

While Aiyuk’s contract is giving vertigo to many in San Francisco, there is another guy who is waiting for a good deal. The 11x Pro Bowler, Trent Williams, is seeking readjustments in his deal because he wants more guaranteed money to come out of his 6-year $136 million deal. He’s making an excess of $30 million in the next three years, but the thing is, the Niners can release him post-June 1 next year and his future with this team might be uncertain.

Surprisingly, this is kind of widespread in the camp as Deebo Samuel might face a similar state, despite his 3-year extension that runs through the 2025 season. Now, even if they give Aiyuk a long-term deal in the ballpark of $30-$32 million a year, there’s no guarantee that they will fulfill the contract and not trade him to another team. So, from a financial standpoint, James Jones might have been right, Aiyuk should get up and leave the moment he gets a deal that suits him.

Meanwhile, from the  Faithful camp, there have been reports of a possible agreement. Tom Pelissero pointed out the massive chance of Aiyuk staying and playing alongside Brock Purdy. He mentioned how the “49ers are pushing to get a deal done that keeps Brandon Aiyuk in San Francisco for the long haul,” Pelissero tweeted. “Nothing done, but finally, things are moving.”

Why Brandon Aiyuk should stay put

Aiyuk declined a $32 million-a-year offer from the Patriots because they can’t help him win a Super Bowl.  It’s Jerod Mayo’s rookie year as HC. The team is not settled at quarterback, they have a bad receiver core and it’s also Alex Van Pelt’s first year as Patriots OC. They need experience before Aiyuk signs with them.

Brandon-Aiyuk-George-Kittle-Getty | Getty Images

So, the Patriots aren’t the right team. Apart from them, the Steelers entered the conversation. As per the NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, the Steelers and the 49ers have shaken hands upon parameters required for trade that would allow Aiyuk to move to Pittsburgh. However, in light of the same, the Niners have put forth an extended contract for the player as well, which Aiyuk has yet to accept.

It is salient to note that the Steelers haven’t been anything exceptional recently. Moreover, we saw Justin Fields play in the preseason opener and Pittsburgh ended up losing against the Texans at 12-20. Meanwhile, their veteran QB Wilson has been dealing with a lot of negativity after his Broncos exit. Additionally, there is no denying the fact that Aiyuk-Purdy’s chemistry was phenomenal last year.

According to StatMuse, “Brandon Aiyuk has 111 catches for 1,840 yards and has scored 11 touchdowns in 24 games with Brock Purdy in his career.” Now, those are some Super Bowl-worthy numbers. All Aiyuk needs for his perfect stay in San Francisco is a good deal and he can again join the SB race alongside his team members. However, soon the time will unravel whether the player will get to don red and gold again wholeheartedly or switch to ‘the Steel City.’