The 49ers are seeking significant compensation for receiver Brandon Aiyuk.
The defending NFC champions are reportedly seeking two first-round picks in exchange for the star wide receiver. Jim Wexell, Steel City Insider.
Aiyuk, 26, recently requested a trade after failing to agree to a long-term contract with San Francisco.
Getty Images Getty Images
The Pittsburgh Steelers held talks with San Francisco on Tuesday. From ESPNThis comes after reports on Monday that the Browns and Patriots had emerged as the final two teams.
The Patriots then withdrew from the championship race.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter called trade talks a “constantly fluid situation.”
Despite multiple discussions, the Steelers and 49ers had not reached a verbal agreement as of Wednesday night. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
The media outlet added that the deal does not require the Steelers to give up any players.
AP AP
Any deal with Aiyuk would require him to agree to a long-term contract extension, meaning both the team (trade assets) and Aiyuk (contract) would have to come to terms for the trade to happen.
The Patriots reportedly intended to make him one of the five highest-paid receivers in the league before backing away from negotiations and focusing instead on younger, up-and-coming players.
The Steelers have a new quarterback line-up in Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, but may be in need of an explosive playmaker after trading Deontay Johnson to the Carolina Panthers earlier in the offseason.
Team Players Currently listed George Pickens, Calvin Austin III and Van Jefferson appeared as starters in three-receiver sets.
Aiyuk will take over as the team’s No. 1 receiver after rushing for a career-high 1,342 yards with the 49ers last season and helping the team reach the Super Bowl.
There’s still a chance Aiyuk could stay with the 49ers and play out his fifth-year option or even get the long-term deal he’s looking for.
