Is today the day? Could we witness the San Francisco 49ers trading Brandon Aiyuk before practice kicks off at 10:25 a.m. PT?
According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, the 49ers are open to making a deal. This aligns with what NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco reported on Monday night:
Sources have revealed that the 49ers are now entertaining trade offers for Brandon Aiyuk and have granted him permission to negotiate with other teams, as reported by ESPN.
This marks a significant shift for the 49ers, who were not open to trade discussions at the beginning of training camp, sources confirmed.
The New England Patriots and Cleveland Browns have expressed interest in acquiring Aiyuk, with the Patriots showing continued pursuit since February, sources disclosed. The Pittsburgh Steelers, initially interested, seem to have dropped out of contention, sources added.
The Patriots’ pursuit of Aiyuk has been ongoing, and sources suggest that there has been a slow progression from their end.
As per Reiss, the 49ers have not just softened their stance on Aiyuk’s departure; they have completely reversed their position in a matter of weeks.
Reiss also mentioned the possibility of Aiyuk staying with the 49ers and playing out the fifth-year option on his rookie contract. As a fan, this could be the ideal scenario, hoping Aiyuk rejects other offers, stays with the team, and earns a rewarding deal next season.
While some doubt Aiyuk’s value and place among the top offensive players, it would be risky for the 49ers to find out the hard way.
Get ready for a potentially eventful morning filled with updates—let’s hope none of them involve Aiyuk being traded, as he is currently the standout wide receiver on the team.