The Cleveland Browns offered San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk a larger contract than the 49ers and Pittsburgh Steelers did, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

“They already were offering more money than Pittsburgh, more money than San Francisco,” Schefter said during a Thursday appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. “They were offering a lot. That wasn’t the issue. The issue simply was that he preferred to go elsewhere.”

Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports reported on Aug. 9 that the 49ers and Browns discussed a trade involving Aiyuk following his request to be moved, although Cleveland wasn’t one of his preferred locations.

The trade proposal involved Amari Cooper as well as future second- and fifth-round draft picks heading to San Francisco, per Maiocco.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that the Steelers are “one phone call away” after discussing a trade, although the 49ers are still negotiating a long-term deal with the receiver.

Aiyuk was holding in for a new contract throughout training camp and did not participate in the team’s first practice since roster cuts on Wednesday. ESPN’s Nick Wagoner reported that the receiver dealt with back and neck issues early in training camp, although 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed that he was eventually cleared by doctors.

The 26-year-old is currently set to earn $14.1 million in 2024 before hitting free agency the following offseason.

49ers general manager John Lynch discussed Aiyuk’s ongoing absences in practice on Wednesday, telling reporters that “at some point you got to play.”

Pressure is rising for both sides, especially after the Dallas Cowboys agreed to a four-year, $136 million contract extension with star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb on Monday. Aiyuk and Lamb were both first-round picks in the 2020 NFL draft.

The 49ers will also likely want to resolve the situation before their Week 1 matchup with the New York Jets on Sept. 9.