NFL Rumors: Steelers put ball in 49ers' court over Brandon Aiyuk trade as San Francisco dilly-dallies on move

The interminable saga of 2024 featuring Brandon Aiyuk might be drawing to a close or it could become even more complicated just a few weeks out from the new season. The wide receiver has been looking for a contract suitable for the best receivers in the league. It has been complicated by Justin Jefferson's new deal with the Vikings, which pays $35 million per year and has reset the market.

All of that has created a situation where Brandon Aiyuk, despite being a starter on a Super Bowl-chasing team, has felt neglected and he now wants out. After initially being unwilling to lose a key piece of their offensive puzzle, the 49ers have come to terms with accepting that the player might not want to be there.

After initially being linked to the Patriots and the Browns, the Steelers have emerged as Brandon Aiyuk's favored destination in recent days. And if the latest report from NFL Insider NFL Rapoport is correct, there is now a deal in place between the two parties.

The Steelers have reportedly agreed on a deal with both the wide receiver in terms of his contract and trade discussions have also been finalized with the 49ers. Now the ball is allegedly in San Francisco's court but they are holding out to a faint glimmer that the player might still change his mind and agree to a long-term contract with them, which is on the table but has not been accepted.

With the season coming into focus and set to start in under a month, Brandon Aiyuk's future could finally be resolved soon. It has been one of the longest stories of the offseason with all manner of speculation but it now looks to be nearing its completion.

Who takes Brandon Aiyuk's place with the 49ers?

If Brandon Aiyuk is finally traded, rookie first-rounder Ricky Pearsall will be asked to fill in instead. The 49ers have high hopes for him but would probably need some insurance to go with it.

George Pickens coming in an exchange from the Steelers would be ideal but that looks unlikely, so they will probably have to dip into the free agents market to add some depth there. Newly discarded by the Patriots, JuJu Smith-Schuster might be an option. Hunter Renfrow could be a possibility with his contract demands not likely to be an issue if Aiyuk is off the books. There are some options to retool but San Francisco is still hoping that their current player stays put.