The month of June has been full of reports pertaining to the strained contract negotiations between extensive receiver Brandon Aiyuk and the 49ers. As issues presently stand, it seems that a trade is no longer expected separate the 2 events, however negotiations appear to be at a standstill as both sides refuse to cede ground on worth.
Whereas most all indicators are nonetheless pointing to Aiyuk enjoying for San Francisco in 2024, he did point out two different groups whose uniforms he may see himself in ought to negotiations fall by way of over the summer season.
In his appearance on “The Pivot Podcast,” Aiyuk was requested what uniform he sees himself enjoying in subsequent season.
“If I have been to take a guess, in all probability a Niner uniform,” he answered. “In all probability a Niner uniform. If not a Niners uniform, in all probability a Washington Commanders uniform. If not a Washington Commanders uniform, in all probability a Steelers uniform.”
Aiyuk can be an outstanding addition to both squad.
In D.C., the second-team All-Professional wideout would be part of Terry McLaurin atop the depth chart as Jahan Dotson would return to a WR3 function. Aiyuk can be a large improve over final 12 months’s WR2, Curtis Samuel. At the moment, with out Aiyuk, Washington has Dotson bumping as much as WR2 in his third season as Dyami Brown, Olamide Zaccheus, and Jamison Crowder try to carry off third-round rookie Luke McCaffrey for the WR3 job.
Aiyuk would even be an fascinating addition to the Commanders resulting from his historical past with No. 2 total choose Jayden Daniels. The rookie out of LSU transferred to Baton Rouge after three years at Arizona State. Daniels’ freshman season in Tempe aligned with Aiyuk’s senior 12 months with the Solar Devils. Working collectively on offense, Aiyuk led the group with 65 catches for 1,192 yards and eight touchdowns. Reuniting the 2 might be an enormous security blanket for Daniels as he makes the soar to skilled play.
It’s been no secret that the Steelers are searching for veteran extensive receiver assist after sending Diontae Johnson to Carolina. The group presently rosters budding star George Pickens and Van Jefferson, who impressed in 2021 with an 800-yard, six-touchdown season however has faltered within the two seasons since. Pittsburgh additionally chosen Michigan extensive receiver Roman Wilson within the third spherical of this 12 months’s draft and are holding out hope that third-year wideout Calvin Austin will blossom quickly.
Nonetheless, including Aiyuk to the roster in Pittsburgh can be large for brand spanking new quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. The Steelers showed early interest in buying Aiyuk’s teammate, Deebo Samuel, again across the time of the draft, however ought to Aiyuk come up in a suggestion, it’s onerous to think about they might flip him away.
When all is claimed and performed, it’s nonetheless broadly anticipated that Aiyuk will stay within the Bay Space for not less than subsequent season. The 2 sides proceed to work in the direction of a typical aim, however the 49ers appear to be using related ways as they did when extending Samuel two years in the past. If that street continues, a brand new Aiyuk deal might be coming across the finish of July, like Samuel’s did.
Ought to issues fall by way of, although, it seems like Aiyuk is open to a change of surroundings.