Brandon Aiyuk Rumors: Steelers ‘came closest’ to trading WR before 49ers contract | News, scores, highlights, stats & rumors

Before the San Francisco 49ers and star receiver Brandon Aiyuk agreed to a four-year, $120 million contract extension last week, there was reportedly a real chance he would end up with an AFC prospect.

According to Sports IllustratedAccording to Albert Breer, the Pittsburgh Steelers “came closest to acquiring Aiyuk” while he was waiting for a new contract. Breer noted that the Steelers “refused to give up a current player, but were willing to give up second- and third-round picks.” However, they did not want to break the bank on a new contract for Aiyuk.

“The interesting thing is the Steelers didn’t perform that well. They didn’t want to make more than TJ Watt ($28 million APY) so they offered Aiyuk $27.7 million APY,” Breer said.

Aiyuk went to training camp but didn’t practice while he waited for a new deal. The 49ers were open to trades for him, but knew they would need a reliable replacement on the outside. Breer added that they “called about a dozen teams to see if they could get the third-round pick somewhere else to find 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 the 26-year-old “never wanted to leave San Francisco.”

Aiyuk had a breakout year last season, earning second-team All-Pro honors after recording 75 catches for a career-high 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns. Keeping him around 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 champions can now focus on preparing to open the season Monday night football against the New York Jets.