49ers News: Brandon Aiyuk exploring trade options despite lucrative Browns offer

Brandon Aiyuk is at the center of trade talks as the Cleveland Browns have reportedly offered the San Francisco 49ers wide receiver a more lucrative contract than what he was offered by both the 49ers and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

"They already were offering more money than Pittsburgh, more money than San Francisco," Schefter said during a Thursday appearance on The Pat McAfee Show . "They were offering a lot. That wasn't the issue. The issue simply was that he preferred to go elsewhere."

Despite the financial incentive, Aiyuk prefers to explore other options. The Browns had previously discussed a trade that would send Aiyuk to Cleveland, involving Amari Cooper and several draft picks, but Aiyuk did not list the Browns among his desired destinations.

The Steelers are also in the mix, indicating they are interested in acquiring Aiyuk, but the 49ers are still in negotiations for a long-term deal with him. Aiyuk has been absent from practice as he seeks a new contract, and he missed the team’s first practice after roster cuts. He faced some health issues earlier in training camp but has since been cleared by medical staff.

Related: 49ers News: NFL Agent Critiques Aiyuk for 'Horrible' Handling of Contract Situation

As it stands, Aiyuk is set to earn $14.1 million in 2024 before entering free agency. The pressure is mounting for both Aiyuk and the 49ers, especially after the recent contract extension given to CeeDee Lamb of the Dallas Cowboys. The 49ers will likely want to resolve Aiyuk's situation before their season opener against the New York Jets on September 9.