After inquiring about Brandon Aiyuk’s availability, the New England Patriots have determined to not discover any additional commerce prospects with the San Francisco 49ers relating to their standout broad receiver, sources advised ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Tuesday.
The Patriots had been one in every of three groups that had been in touch with the Niners a few potential commerce for Aiyuk, together with the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers, sources advised ESPN.
New England had been making an attempt to amass Aiyuk for months, and it had been a sluggish course of from its aspect, in keeping with sources. New England was keen to make Aiyuk one of many prime 5 highest-paid broad receivers within the NFL by way of common wage per 12 months, a supply mentioned.
Editor’s Picks
2 Associated
Aiyuk, a second-team All-Professional and the Niners’ greatest receiver in 2023, was on the staff facility Tuesday however didn’t take part in apply as he continued his hold-in. By way of the staff’s first 11 practices of coaching camp, Aiyuk, 26, has typically been noticed watching apply from the sideline, however that hasn’t occurred over the previous couple of periods. He has, nevertheless, been attending conferences and taking part often in these.
The Niners confirmed early Tuesday that Aiyuk had obtained permission to barter with different groups however mentioned there may be nonetheless a situation the place a deal will get achieved to maintain Aiyuk in San Francisco.
“It has been at this level for somewhat bit, so nothing actually new to me,” coach Kyle Shanahan mentioned Tuesday. “You are all the time dissatisfied when you possibly can’t hold maintain of all of your gamers or it is not going precisely proper. I do not like dropping anyone, in order that’s why I am hoping it does work out right here. However proper now, we do not have that solved but. I hope it does.”
The scenario may result in a number of outcomes, together with Aiyuk staying with the 49ers and enjoying out the fifth-year possibility on his rookie deal that may pay him $14.124 million, sources mentioned. Different groups are keen to pay Aiyuk greater than twice as a lot, however he has balked thus far at a number of affords, in keeping with sources.
The 49ers additionally need to be comfy with any commerce compensation, and sources advised ESPN that the reigning NFC champions are keen to maintain Aiyuk.
“Brandon’s a terrific participant, so it is actual arduous to be higher whenever you lose a terrific participant,” Shanahan mentioned. “We have to look into something. We have to grasp the scenario we’re in, what that appears like, and it does take time — so hopefully, it’s going to all work out the perfect for him and the perfect for us in the long term.”
The Steelers’ talks with the 49ers had been stalled as of Monday night time, however the groups reengaged in commerce discussions Tuesday in an ever-fluid scenario that also entails different groups, as nicely, sources advised Schefter.
When requested about stories linking the Browns to Aiyuk and whether or not he’s a participant who may assist Cleveland, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski mentioned, “I do not actually get into stories or speculate. … I am actually simply centered on immediately and apply.”
Stefanski additionally mentioned he would hold non-public any conversations he has had with Cleveland broad receiver Amari Cooper, whose title has been floated in a hypothetical deal for Aiyuk.
A primary-round decide of the Niners in 2020, Aiyuk had 75 catches for 1,342 yards and 7 touchdowns final season.
ESPN’s Mike Reiss, Nick Wagoner and Daniel Oyefusi contributed to this report.
