After gauging Brandon Aiyuk’s availability, the New England Patriots have opted not to pursue further trade discussions with the San Francisco 49ers regarding their star wide receiver, sources informed Adam Schefter on Tuesday.
The Patriots were one of three teams, alongside the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers that had been in talks with the Niners about potentially acquiring Aiyuk.
New England had been trying to secure Aiyuk’s services for months, albeit slowly, according to sources. They were prepared to make him one of the top five highest-paid wide receivers in the NFL based on average salary per year.
Aiyuk, a second-team All-Pro and the 49ers’ top receiver in 2023, was present at the team facility on Tuesday but did not participate in practice, continuing his hold-in. During the first 11 practices of training camp, Aiyuk, 26, was often seen watching from the sidelines, though he attended meetings and participated regularly.
The 49ers confirmed on Tuesday that Aiyuk had permission to negotiate with other teams but emphasized that there is still a possibility of reaching a deal to retain him in San Francisco.
“It’s been at this point for a while, so nothing really new to me,” coach Kyle Shanahan said Tuesday. “You’re always disappointed when you can’t keep hold of all your players or it’s not going exactly right. I don’t like losing anybody, so that’s why I’m hoping it does work out here. But right now, we don’t have that solved yet. I hope it does.”
The situation could lead to several outcomes, including Aiyuk staying with the 49ers and playing out the fifth-year option on his rookie deal, which would pay him $14.124 million, sources said. According to sources, other teams are willing to pay Aiyuk more than double that amount, but he has so far declined multiple offers.
The 49ers must also be satisfied with any trade compensation, and sources indicated that the reigning NFC champions are willing to keep Aiyuk.
“Brandon’s a great player, so it’s real hard to be better when you lose a great player,” Shanahan said. “We’ve got to look into anything. We’ve got to understand the situation we’re in, what that looks like, and it does take time—so hopefully, it’ll all work out the best for him and the best for us in the long run.”
The Steelers’ talks with the 49ers had stalled as of Monday night, but the teams re-engaged in trade discussions on Tuesday in an ever-fluid situation that still involves other teams, sources told Schefter.
When asked about reports linking the Browns to Aiyuk and whether he is a player who could help Cleveland, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said, “I don’t really get into reports or speculate. … I’m really just focused on today and practice.”
Stefanski also said he would keep private any conversations he has had with Cleveland wide receiver Amari Cooper, whose name has been floated in a hypothetical deal for Aiyuk.
A first-round pick of the Niners in 2020, Aiyuk had 75 catches for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns last season.
