Brandon Aiyuk Update: Is ESPN 'Breaking New News'?

What's the future of Brandon Aiyuk as of this Saturday afternoon writing?

As the Talking Heads song once said, "Same As It Ever Was.''

Indeed, the "Talking Heads'' is a fine tie-in here, because ESPN is attempting to advance the ball on this captivating story ... but is instead quite likely fumbling it.

What we knew going into the weekend: The San Francisco 49ers are trying to negotiate a contractual way to retain him, but at the same time have put down the groundwork for a trade to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The two teams have a tentative agreement; Aiyuk, however, has not signed off on a new deal with the Steelers as he likely seeks at least $30 million APY.

So, with all of those ingredients already in the delicious gumbo, what is ESPN’s weekend fry cook tossing into the pot?

From the network's Jeremy Fowler on SportsCenter on Saturday morning.

“Here’s where things stand: The 49ers are engaged in contract talks with Brandon Aiyuk and his representatives, they are hopeful that they can get a deal done. Pittsburgh remains on standby. They would like to trade for Brandon Aiyuk. They have parameters in place ...

"Executives I’ve talked to around the league do expect the 49ers to end up signing up to an extension that might be in that $30 million per year range, maybe slightly less.”

So the Niners are talking. The Steelers have their framework. Aiyuk wants $30 million.

Yup. Just as we already knew.

"Talking Heads,'' indeed.

Why isn't this thing done? Why isn't he simply staying with and practicing with the Niners? Fowler grabbed a spatula.

“I’m told he’s got some needs that need to be met in that contract that has not yet,” Fowler "reported. “They’re trying to hash that out. If he wants to get back in the practice field, they got to sort of meet him somewhere in the middle.”

So again ... He's got some needs. They haven't been met. Whatever deal gets done, the involved parties "got to sort of meet in the middle.''

Thanks, ESPN. "Same As It Ever Was.''