There now seems to be optimism brewing about wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and the San Francisco 49ers agreeing on a long-term contract extension.
After trade rumors surfaced from NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport on Tuesday morning, NFL Media’s Mike Garafolo provided a different angle Tuesday afternoon.
According to Garafolo, the 49ers and Aiyuk aren’t far apart on a contract.
“What I’ve been told is that Brandon Aiyuk would prefer to stay with the 49ers,” Garafolo said on NFL Network. “And has always preferred to stay with the 49ers all things being equal. Now, they haven’t been equal, but they did make that offer — in fact both sides sent proposals within the last couple of days, a week or so. And the 49ers number has gotten better than what it was previously.
“From my understanding they have agreed on a lot of the main points of the deal. Their numbers are in line. But it sounds like there’s just one more thing that needs to be ironed out. And if that thing gets ironed out, Brandon Aiyuk signs the deal. He stays with the 49ers.”
This is probably about as hopeful as it gets for 49ers fans hoping they retain the All-Pro wide receiver.
Aiyuk ultimately has to decide whether he wants to play for the 49ers or Steelers. That he would prefer to stay in San Francisco puts the team in a good spot to continuing massaging the contract terms to keep him in the Bay Area.
Had Aiyuk wanted to leave, he likely would have indicated as much to the 49ers and refused to negotiate, forcing them to execute a trade with Pittsburgh.
The 49ers return to practice Wednesday, which would be a good opportunity for Aiyuk to return with a new contract in hand. While head coach Kyle Shanahan isn’t worried about Aiyuk’s readiness, the sooner he gets on the field the better. And it sounds like he’s closer than ever to returning in a 49ers uniform.
