Brandon Aiyuk Trade Rumors: Steelers 'For Sure In It' Amid Patriots, Browns Buzz

The Pittsburgh Steelers are "for sure" a possibility as a trade destination for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

"My understanding is, the Pittsburgh Steelers have had discussions with the 49ers about potentially trading Brandon Aiyuk," Rapoport said Tuesday. "They are for sure in it right now. They are one of several teams that the 49ers are speaking to."

Adam Schefter of ESPN added:

The 49ers are also holding conversations with the Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots, Rapoport noted.

Aiyuk is not participating in the 49ers' training camp amid a hold-in for an extension. He is currently set to receive just over $14 million in 2024 before becoming a free agent next spring.

There is still the possibility that Aiyuk, who attended training camp Tuesday, could end up staying in San Francisco. Kyle Shanahan said Tuesday that there is still a possibility he and the 49ers could agree on an extension, per ESPN's Nick Wagoner.

Matt Maiocco reported on Monday for NBC Sports that the 49ers have "negotiated the framework" of an Aiyuk trade with both the Browns and Patriots, and that the team has given the receiver permission to speak with both teams alongside the Steelers and Washington Commanders.

Rapoport confirmed that the Browns and Patriots have made the most progress in trade talks so far.

"There are a couple different parts of this trade," Rapoport said. "There is, can the 49ers agree to terms on a deal with either of these teams? I'd say they're further along with the Browns and the Patriots than they are the Steelers, but that is another one that, at some point, those two sides could come together and get a deal in place.

"And then there's the contract that Brandon Aiyuk would want, and that is why he's had so much power, so much say in this situation, because he's not going anywhere unless he gets a contract that he wants, that sets him up financially... that's why this situation really hasn't moved."

Rapoport described the situation as "more fluid, I would say, than any other trade I can remember."

Aiyuk recorded a career-high 1,342 receiving yards for seven touchdowns on 75 catches through 16 starts last season. The wide receiver requested a trade in July after failing to make progress on negotiations for an extension worth around $28 million, ESPN's Nick Wagoner reported.

The market for receivers has since only expanded as wideouts like the Minnesota Vikings' Justin Jefferson and Miami Dolphins' Tyreek Hill set records with their new deals.

That higher price could end up being worth it for the Steelers, a team looking for additional top targets to help Russell Wilson and Justin Fields settle into their first campaign in Pittsburgh.