The San Francisco 49ers and Pittsburgh Steelers have reportedly "re-engaged in conversations" regarding a potential trade centered around All-Pro wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, a league source with knowledge of the situation confirmed to ESPN's Adam Schefter on Tuesday (August 6).
"Steelers and 49ers re-engaged in conversations mid-day today regarding Brandon Aiyuk, per league sources. As of Monday night, the 49ers-Steelers talks stalled. But there have been further conversations today in an ever-fluid situation that still involves other teams as well," Schefter wrote on his X account.
Niners head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed the reports while speaking to reporters on Tuesday.
"I know a lot was out yesterday and stuff, but from the situation that we're in with Brandon, nothing has changed," Shanahan said via NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
Aiyuk was reported to have requested a trade amid failed attempts to reach a contract extension, a source with knowledge of the situation confirmed to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo on July 16.
"Source: #49ers All-Pro WR Brandon Aiyuk has officially requested a trade after an offseason of unsuccessful attempts to reach an extension. Despite a recent meeting, the Niners haven’t been willing to engage in negotiations since May so Aiyuk has respectfully asked out," Garafolo wrote on his X account. "Brandon Aiyuk is under contract for a little more than $14 million this season. The #49ers survived a trade request from [fellow wide receiver] Deebo Samuel. We’ll see if they can find their way through this one from Aiyuk."
The Athletic's Dianna Russini previously reported that the Niners "had conversations with teams, including with one picking in the top 10, about trading either" Aiyuk or Samuel "in an effort to move up in the first-round" prior to the 2024 NFL Draft in April. Aiyuk spoke to reporters on February 13, two days after San Francisco's Super Bowl LVIII loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, and addressed his future with the team after his girlfriend, Rochelle Searight, and former Sierra College teammate Draysean Hudson both appeared to hint at a possible departure.
Aiyuk responded, "if that's the right move, yeah," when asked if he hoped to remain with the 49ers moving forward during the team's exit interviews on February 13. The second-team All-Pro then said "being a champion" when asked what would make staying in the Bay Area the right move.
On February 12, Searight shared a since-deleted TikTok detailing her "travel day of shame" following the Niners' loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII.
"This is the exact reason why we leaving San Francisco," Hudson wrote. "Thank you 49ers for drafting my brother we are forever grateful.
"BA to Vegas," Hudson added with a pirate emoji, teasing interest in joining the Las Vegas Raiders. "Why does your All-Pro 1,300 yard receiver have three catches in the Super Bowl??"
Aiyuk recorded a career-best 1,342 yards, as well as seven touchdowns and 75 receptions, during the 2023 regular season, but was limited to just nine receptions for 149 yards and one touchdown in three playoff appearances, including three receptions for 49 yards on six targets in Super Bowl LVIII. San Francisco has invoked the fifth-year option on Aiyuk's contract, so he will be signed until the 2025 offseason unless he's traded sooner.
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