Brandon Aiyuk Trade Rumors: 49ers Willing to Listen to Offers amid Pats, Browns Buzz

The San Francisco 49ers have reportedly reversed their stance and are now willing to listen to trade offers for star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.

According to ESPN's Mike Reiss, the Niners were not open to trade offers at the start of training camp, but they have now given Aiyuk permission to negotiate a contract with other teams, which could be the precursor to a trade.

Reiss added that the New England Patriots and Cleveland Browns have both contacted the 49ers and shown interest in acquiring Aiyuk. The Pittsburgh Steelers were also interested, but it doesn't appear they will be able to land him unless something changes, per Reiss.

NBC Sports' Matt Maiocco reported Monday that the 49ers had the framework for a deal in place with both the Pats and Browns, and they were waiting to see which team Aiyuk would come to terms on a contract with.

Maiocco also reported that the Washington Commanders removed themselves from Aiyuk trade talks, while the Steelers did not meet the 49ers' trade demands.

Reiss noted that the Patriots have been pursuing Aiyuk "for months" even as the 49ers were reluctant or even unwilling to move him.

While the Niners are now open to a trade, Reiss stressed that the organization is fine with keeping Aiyuk if trade demands are not met.

The 26-year-old Aiyuk is set to enter his fifth NFL season and the final year of his rookie contract in 2024.

He is coming off the best campaign for his career, as he set a new personal best with 1,342 receiving yards and scored seven touchdowns on 75 catches.

Aiyuk established himself as 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy's favorite target last season, leading the team in all three major receiving categories over wideout Deebo Samuel, tight end George Kittle and running back Christian McCaffrey.

Until recently, the 49ers seemed poised to enter the 2024 season with Aiyuk on the roster despite his desire for a new contract and their unwillingness or inability to give it to him.

However, it can be argued that the 49ers made moves this offseason to prepare for life without Aiyuk, as they re-signed wide receiver Jauan Jennings to a two-year deal and selected wideouts Ricky Pearsall and Jacob Cowing in the first and fourth rounds of the 2024 NFL draft, respectively.

It will be difficult for any of them to replace what Aiyuk brings to the table, but with Samuel, Kittle and McCaffrey returning as top offensive weapons, the Niners would likely still have enough firepower to be among the top contenders in the AFC.

As for the teams reportedly pursuing Aiyuk, the Patriots are unquestionably in most dire need of a No. 1 wideout. Their top returning pass-catcher is Demario "Pop" Douglas, who had just 49 receptions for 561 yards and no touchdowns as a rookie last season.

Rookie No. 3 overall pick Drake Maye figures to become the Patriots' starting quarterback at some point this season, and he would greatly benefit from a receiver like Aiyuk.

The Browns don't have as big of a need at wideout due to the presence of five-time Pro Bowler Amari Cooper and the acquisition of Jerry Jeudy from the Denver Broncos this offseason, but ESPN's Jeff Darlington reported Tuesday on Get Up that Cooper would likely be part of the trade to San Francisco if it ultimately happens.

That would allow the Browns to get younger at wide receiver, and it would also give the 49ers a suitable replacement fro Aiyuk.