NFL Rumors: Brandon Aiyuk Returns To Negotiations With 49ers

Brandon Aiyuk rejected a blockbuster trade to the New England Patriots, which left the 26-year-old in pursuit of a multi-year extension following last season’s run to the Super Bowl with the San Francisco 49ers.

Now back to square one, Aiyuk’s door in San Francisco might not be closed for good. Aiyuk and the 49ers have returned to the negotiating table, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, which has revived the possibility of an extension in San Francisco. This doesn’t, however, rule out teams such as the Pittsburgh Steelers, who, too, have expressed interest in acquiring Aiyuk before Week 1.

So far, the Patriots have gotten closer than anyone else to landing Aiyuk. New England and San Francisco had the framework of an agreed-upon trade in place, leaving Aiyuk in full control of his future. Presumably, the quarterback situation turned Aiyuk away from the Patriots and with the 49ers (understandably) unwilling to part ways unless the trade return makes sense, Aiyuk’s market activity has slowed down.

Perhaps exploring the outside market will end up working to San Francisco’s advantage in the long run. Aiyuk and the 49ers finished just shy of a Super Bowl title, and so far, there hasn’t been an outpour of contending options knocking on San Francisco’s door to save him either. If the 49ers see Aiyuk’s value to the levels the Patriots were rumored to, Aiyuk could secure a best-of-both-worlds situation with a San Francisco franchise willing to ink a big-dollar extension while also in championship contention.

The 49ers will open up their preseason against the Tennessee Titans on Saturday night, as the clock continues to tick for Aiyuk to find a solution.