Inside source makes massive claim about desires of Brandon Aiyuk, 49ers

Current NFL analyst Herm Edwards previously coached San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk when both were with Arizona State, and Edwards is close with 49ers general manager John Lynch.

During a Thursday appearance on San Francisco sports radio station 95.7 The Game, Edwards suggested that Aiyuk and the 49ers want to continue their working relationship through at least the 2024 season even as the 26-year-old, in the final year of his rookie contract , remains the subject of trade rumors.

"I don't want to get in the middle of it, but I do know this: I think both parties would like this [a deal] to get done, bottom line," Edwards said about Aiyuk potentially staying with San Francisco, as David Bonilla of 49ers WebZone shared.

On Wednesday, it was reported that the Aiyuk saga has featured multiple twists and turns since this past spring. People within the New England Patriots believe Aiyuk’s "preference" is to land with the Pittsburgh Steelers before September. Still, there's currently no indication the Steelers will match the 49ers' asking price for his services.

Edwards' take makes sense for multiple reasons. Aiyuk has played only for the 49ers since he entered the NFL via the 2020 draft, and San Francisco seemingly possesses enough talent to complete a second-straight trip to the Super Bowl. Additionally, salary-cap rules routinely allow championship-caliber clubs to sign multiple big-name talents to lucrative deals and "kick the can" regarding cap casualties down the road to future seasons.

During Thursday's segment, Edwards said he "absolutely" believes Aiyuk wants to stay with the 49ers coming off their loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII this past February.

"Brandon likes to win, and he wants to win," Edwards continued. "And why not? You're on a winning team, and you got a team that, obviously, every year, is picked ...to go to the Super Bowl to represent the NFC. And they've been close."

NFL insider Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated is among those who think Aiyuk's camp being permitted to speak with the Steelers about a possible trade and extension could help the 49ers retain the dynamic receiver. For what it's worth, the Niners and superstar pass-rusher Nick Bosa continued their negotiations through the start of September 2023 before they agreed shortly before Week 1 of last season.