The contract drama surrounding 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has been coming to a head for weeks, and a trade recently seemed imminent. But now there could be another turnaround

The saga surrounding wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk could have a new, possibly final chapter. And it could be that the 26-year-old’s future unexpectedly lies with the San Francisco 49ers after all.

As the “NFL Network” reports, the franchise is currently working on negotiating a long-term contract with Aiyuk. Although a departure is not yet off the table, the chances of him staying have increased significantly.

It would be the next spectacular turn in a drama that has recently picked up speed once again. According to information from “ESPN”, the 49ers were prepared to consider trade options for the wide receiver. Aiyuk and his advisor were therefore free to negotiate a follow-up contract with another team.

According to the report, the Cleveland Browns and the New England Patriots were particularly interested. However, the Patriots apparently quickly backed out of the poker game for the All-Pro receiver. According to the report, New England wanted to make Aiyuk one of the five highest-paid receivers in the NFL. Whether Aiyuk or the Patriots backed out is not known.

After that, the Pittsburgh Steelers were considered the clear favorite, and even more: A contract with Aiyuk seemed to be just a formality. According to a report in the “New York Herald”, the player was supposed to sign for four years in the Steel City, with a salary of 26.2 million dollars per year, according to the report.

Now, however, the 49ers could unexpectedly open the coffers and pay Aiyuk. The pass receiver would otherwise be entering the final year of his rookie contract with the “Niners”.

Justin Jefferson’s contract extension with the Minnesota Vikings in particular is seen as a benchmark for future receiver contracts.

“Former teammate”: McCaffrey blabbed

Before that, running back Christian McCaffrey, of all people, had fueled reports that Aiyuk could be on the verge of leaving. In an interview on Tuesday, he called Aiyuk his “former teammate.”

VIDEOCHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY CALLING BRANDON AIYUK HIS FORMER TEAMMATE

What does CMC know….
pic.twitter.com/OOsBazGJLy https://t.co/veulQEwnCR

– MLFootball (@_MLFootball) August 6, 2024

“Brandon is a great player and it’s very hard to get better when you lose a great player,” coach Kyle Shanahan analyzed the situation. “We have to take everything into consideration. We have to understand the situation we’re in and that takes time. So we hope it’s the best thing for him and for us in the long run.”

Last season, Aiyuk totaled 75 catches for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns. He is guaranteed 14 million dollars in the final year of his contract.