Brandon Aiyuk Rumors: Trade More Likely Than New 49ers Contract Amid Steelers Buzz

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is reportedly more likely to be traded than signed to a new contract, per NFL Network's Mike Garafolo and Tom Pelissero (h/t NFL.com's Nick Shook).

Garafolo provided the latest on NFL Network:

The report comes amid rumors about a trade to the Pittsburgh Steelers, though NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported Monday that there was no deal in place between the two teams.

"I'm told the [49ers] have had discussions in recent days regarding a potential Aiyuk trade with several teams, but as of this post -- nothing is finalized," Schultz wrote on X.

Aiyuk officially requested a trade from the 49ers in July amid ongoing contract disputes. The first-round draft pick in 2020 is set to earn $14.124 million this season as he plays the final year of his rookie deal, but he's hoping to get a new contract before then.

His play has certainly made him worthy of a big contract extension, as he's coming off a season in which he recorded 1,342 receiving yards and seven touchdowns while helping lead San Francisco to a Super Bowl appearance.

Amid his trade request and search for an extension, Aiyuk is attending team activities but is not participating as part of a "hold-in." Amid the hold-in, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported last week that talks between the two sides haven't made much progress recently.

"The situation has gotten really sticky," Fowler wrote Saturday. "The receiver market ballooning into the $30 million neighborhood has complicated talks. The 49ers have not shown a willingness to pay Aiyuk what he thinks he's worth, and negotiations hadn't intensified lately, last I had checked."

According to Shook, several teams have been permitted to talk with Aiyuk's agent with the goal of working out a contract extension should he be traded.

With the regular season nearing, the 49ers trading Aiyuk could be the best option if a new contract isn't in their plans.