It appears the sweepstakes to land Brandon Aiyuk are down to two teams.
NBC Sports’ Matt Maiocco reports that the San Francisco 49ers have negotiated the framework of trades that would send the wide receiver to either the New England Patriots or Cleveland Browns.
Maiocco adds that it is now up to Aiyuk to decide which team he will agree to terms on a new contract with.
The 49ers had reportedly granted Aiyuk permission to speak with numerous teams, including the Washington Commanders and Pittsburgh Steelers.
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo and Tom Pelissero reported that Aiyuk was more likely to be traded than sign an extension with the 49ers.
The All-Pro wide receiver and the 49ers have been at odds for over a month after both sides unsuccessfully discussed a contract extension this past off-season.
Aiyuk is scheduled to play this season on a fifth-year option worth about $14.1 million, but has stated that he wants a long-term contract that would pay him significantly more money based on his production so far in his career.
The 26-year-old receiver was a key part of San Francisco’s offence last season as he formed a great connection with quarterback Brock Purdy. Aiyuk had 75 catches and a career-high 1,375 yards last season with seven touchdowns as he earned second-team All-Pro honours.
Aiyuk has 269 catches for 3,931 yards and 25 TDs in four seasons since being drafted 25th overall in 2020 but has taken off since Purdy became quarterback.
—With files from the Associated Press.