Sources: Pats, Browns eye Niners' Aiyuk in trade

Sources: Pats, Browns eye Niners’ Aiyuk in trade

Posted by Admin August 6, 2024 NFL

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Mike Reiss, ESPN Staff WriterAug 6, 2024, 07:52 AM ET
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FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The San Francisco 49ers are now willing to listen to trade offers for Brandon Aiyuk and have given the star wide receiver permission to negotiate a contract with other teams, sources told ESPN.

It represents a significant change for the 49ers, who did not have the same willingness to listen to trade offers at the start of training camp, sources said.

The New England Patriots and Cleveland Browns both have been in contact with the Niners and are interested in trading for Aiyuk, sources told ESPN. The Pittsburgh Steelers also were interested but do not appear to be a potential trade destination any longer, according to sources.

The Patriots have been attempting to acquire Aiyuk for months, and it has been a slow process from their side, according to sources.

It’s still a fluid situation that could lead to several outcomes, including Aiyuk staying with the 49ers and playing out the fifth-year option on his rookie deal that would pay him $14.124 million, sources said. Other teams are willing to pay Aiyuk more than twice as much, but he has balked so far at multiple offers, according to sources.

The 49ers also have to be comfortable with any trade compensation, and sources told ESPN that the reigning NFC champions are willing to keep Aiyuk.

NBC Sports Bay Area reported late Monday night that the 49ers have “negotiated the framework of trades” that would send Aiyuk to the Patriots or Browns.

Aiyuk, 26, reported for the 49ers’ training camp but has not practiced as he seeks a new deal.

The Patriots’ lengthy pursuit of Aiyuk traces back to February, when executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf shared his hope to “weaponize the offense.” The Patriots selected Drake Maye with the No. 3 overall pick in the draft, and one of their goals has been to surround the former North Carolina quarterback with more talent to aid in his development.

New England attempted in March to sign free agent wide receiver Calvin Ridley, who ultimately landed with the Tennessee Titans on a four-year, $92 million deal.