Did 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk get traded? NFL insider gives update amid stalled contract talks

Brandon Aiyuk may be on his way to wearing a different jersey during the 2024 NFL season. As the San Francisco 49ers wide receiver approached the final year of his rookie contract, his negotiations became a major point of contention during the offseason.

This led to speculation that he might have been secretly traded after talks stalled, but insider Mike Garafolo refuted those rumors on Monday. However, he did infer that a trade would be likelier than an extension by this point:

"There are multiple avenues in which this could go. Brandon Aiyuk has a huge say in it... No team is going to make this trade and give up draft capital and or players and not be sure that they have (him) locked up for the long term.

"What seems to be clear is that if and when he is traded, and I would say we're closer to a trade than we are to him staying in San Francisco at this point, he is going to make more than the 49ers offered him."

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A review of potential trade destinations for Brandon Aiyuk

So, which teams are in the Brandon Aiyuk sweepstakes again?

If his social media activity is any indication, his first preference is the Washington Commanders, who have Jayden Daniels, his former Arizona State teammate. A transaction would give the team another top offensive weapon to complement one-time Pro Bowler Terry McLaurin.

But according to The Athletic's Matt Barrows, three AFC teams have become high-ranking candidates: the New England Patriots, Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers.

First up is a look at the Patriots. Wide receiver has often been a Pats weakness since the second half of the Tom Brady era. Only Julian Edelman remained consistently productive. However, his departure has worsened the situation.

Almost none of the people brought in to replace Edelman have made an impact, not even JuJu Smith-Schuster. Aiyuk could change that situation completely.

The Browns, meanwhile, already have a monstrous corps of Amari Cooper, Elijah Moore, Jerry Jeudy and Xavier Tillman. However, the first two will become free agents after this season ends. Coach Kevon Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry will want insurance, though, if one of them leaves.

That said, the biggest favorites should be the Steelers, who desperately want to replace now-Carolina Panther Diontae Johnson. As of this writing, even with the presence of third-round rookie Roman Wilson, tight end Pat Freiermuth is their only other notable pass-catcher.