Brandon Aiyuk Rumors: Steelers 'Came Closest' to Trade for WR Before 49ers Contract

Before the San Francisco 49ers and star receiver Brandon Aiyuk agreed to a four-year, $120 million extension last week, there reportedly was a legitimate chance of him ending up with an AFC contender.

According to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, the Pittsburgh Steelers "came closest to acquiring Aiyuk" while he was holding out for a new contract. Breer noted that the Steelers "refused to give up a current player, but were willing to part with second- and third-round picks." However, they didn't want to break the bank with a new contract for Aiyuk.

"The interesting thing is the money wasn't as good with the Steelers, who didn't want to go past what T.J. Watt makes ($28 million APY) and as such offered Aiyuk $27.7 million APY," Breer stated.

Aiyuk attended training camp but didn't practice while holding out for a new deal. The 49ers were open to trade offers for him but knew they would need a reliable replacement on the outside. Breer added that they "made calls to about a dozen teams to see if they could flip the third-rounder somewhere else to land a veteran receiver to replace Aiyuk in the lineup."

Instead, Aiyuk tied Miami Dolphins star Tyreek Hill as the fifth-highest-paid receiver in the NFL with an average of $30 million per year. Breer noted that there were indications that the 26-year-old "never wanted to leave San Francisco."

Aiyuk enjoyed a breakout year last season in which he earned second-team All-Pro honors after recording 75 catches for a career-high 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns. Keeping him in the fold gives 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy a reliable target who can be the focal point of the team's passing attack.

Aiyuk and the reigning NFC champion can now focus on gearing up to open the season on Monday Night Football against the New York Jets.