What 49ers would be admitting if they trade Aiyuk this offseason

The 49ers had several trades in place to deal wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk during training camp last year.While an Aiyuk trade this offseason would be shocking for several reasons, the 49ers haven't shut down the possibility leading up to the start of the new league year on March 12.Last offseason, some in San Francisco's organization wondered if Aiyuk even wanted to play football, considering how he showed little urgency to end his "hold in" and get back on the field.One day after coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch's public tone changed to exasperation, a contract extension was completed.The deal closed the door on potential trades to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the New England Patriots and the Cleveland Browns.A deal was in place to send Aiyuk to the Browns for Amari Cooper, second- and fifth-round draft picks, NBC Sports Bay Area reported at the time. The 49ers had already agreed in principle to other trades, too.With the regular season around the corner and the 49ers' decision-makers applying pressure, Aiyuk signed a four-year contract extension that contained $120 million of new money.Aiyuk clearly was ill-prepared for the start of the regular season after sitting...