NFL Rumors: 49ers Gave Brandon Aiyuk Ultimatum Between Steelers Trade, New Contract

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk was reportedly very close to becoming a Pittsburgh Steeler, to the point where head coach Kyle Shanahan gave him an ultimatum that the star had to decide upon by the end of a day's practice.

Jay Glazer of Fox Sports reported on the matter Sunday morning, saying that the 49ers were on the phone with the Steelers on a trade before Aiyuk showed up the facility, Shanahan issued the ultimatum and changes of heart were made.

Aiyuk, who was a contract hold-in this summer while entering the final season of a rookie deal, agreed to a four-year, $120 million extension to stick in town.

Aiyuk agreed to the deal on Aug. 29. In a conversation with reporters this week, Aiyuk admitted that getting to the finish line was a little harder than it had to be.

"I'm not going to lie, I made it a little bit more difficult than I needed to at the end," Aiyuk said, per Kevin Patra of NFL.com.

He also added, per The Associated Press. "I just had a feel for what I wanted, not just in terms of money, but in all those things. Ultimately, I wanted to be here and ended up being here. So I'm happy and ready to go."

Aiyuk was nothing short of spectacular in 2023, amassing 1,342 yards on 75 catches to go along with seven touchdowns. He was an invaluable member of an offense that finished third in scoring and ultimately helped guide the 49ers to an NFC title.

Now he's back in the mix long-term as the 49ers get ready for their season opener. Their Week 1 matchup will be a Monday Night Football matchup that sees the New York Jets come to town.