Insider Hints 49ers Are Close To Trading Brandon Aiyuk To One Of Two Teams

It appears the San Francisco 49ers are close to resolving their ongoing contract drama with star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.

According to 49ers insider Matt Maiocco, the team has worked out the framework of potential trades with both the Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots, leaving the ball in Aiyuk’s court as to whether or not he wants to sign a long-term contract with either team.

“The 49ers gave permission to Aiyuk to negotiate potential contracts with the Browns, Patriots, Washington Commanders and Pittsburgh Steelers, the source said,” Maiocco wrote . “The Commanders have removed themselves from trade talks for Aiyuk, and the Steelers effectively no longer are an option after they declined to meet the 49ers’ trade demands.”

The 49ers reportedly offered Aiyuk a contract extension earlier in the offseason that would have paid him $26 million per season and made him the eighth-highest paid receiver in the NFL. The 26-year-old All-Pro rejected the offer with the hopes of landing a deal in the $30M-per-year range.

Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot reported that 30-year-old Amari Cooper would likely be part of the package going back to San Francisco along with draft picks. The five-time Pro Bowler is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons.

If Aiyuk accepts a trade to New England, it’s expected that 29-year-old wideout Kendrick Bourne would go back to the 49ers.

Bourne, who spent the first four years of his career in San Francisco, had a career year in his first season with the Patriots in 2021, logging 55 receptions, 800 yards and five touchdowns.

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