A new development regarding Brandon Aiyuk might give the 49ers Faithful some hope.
The star receiver recently had a sit-down meeting with coach Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers’ brass, and the two sides have since renewed negotiations on a long-term contract extension, NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported Friday, citing sources.
In the meeting, “open and candid thoughts were expressed,” Schultz added, and after months of negotiations and trade rumors, there is optimism that Aiyuk could remain in the Bay.
However, the situation remains “very fluid,” Schultz reported.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero seconded Schultz’s development, reporting, citing sources, that San Francisco has made a “renewed effort” in recent days to strike a long-term deal with Aiyuk.
Pelissero, too, noted the situation remains fluid and other teams tied to the receiver in trade rumors, including the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns, still are in the mix, but Aiyuk remaining with the 49ers “appears increasingly possible.”
However, The Athletic’s Diana Russini reported shortly after that the Steelers have not engaged in trade talks for Aiyuk with the 49ers over the last 24 hours.
Earlier this week, sources told NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco that the 49ers had the framework of trades with the Browns and the New England Patriots. New England since has removed itself from Aiyuk trade talks, and Pittsburgh re-engaged in conversations with San Francisco.
Aiyuk is under contract with the 49ers for the 2024 NFL season at $14.1 million, and this is the first time reports have indicated both sides have reopened discussions since negotiations stalled over the past few weeks.
But with the 2024 NFL season just around the corner, it appears some movement is being made.
