San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk faced two options: re-sign with the team that made him a first-round draft pick four years ago or start a new chapter of his NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers. While money and trade compensation were among some of the important factors, those were his two fundamental choices.

The 49ers reportedly made this very clear to Aiyuk just before he agreed to stay in the Bay Area on a four-year, $120 million deal, ending months of offseason drama and speculation.


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During a segment on NFL Network's "The Insiders," Mike Garafolo shared how the two sides finally reached a resolution. He revealed that a frustrated Aiyuk not only missed practice on Wednesday—after head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch publicly stated they expected him to participate—but he also left the building, unhappy with the lack of progress in contract talks.

"They come back together today," Garafolo continued. "... The 49ers, Kyle Shanahan, John Lynch, telling Brandon Aiyuk today, 'Take your time, think about it. But you've got a couple of options. Trade to Pittsburgh, or do you want to stay here in San Francisco and put the finishing touches on this $30 million per year deal?'"

The proposed trade to the Steelers would have reportedly sent second- and third-round draft picks to the 49ers. However, the team much preferred to keep its leading receiver from last season.

Aiyuk ultimately chose to stay, finalizing the deal before the start of the regular season. The contract includes $76 million in guaranteed money, securing his financial future and granting his wish by making him one of the highest-paid receivers in the NFL.

Ian Rapoport added that Aiyuk will receive $47 million of the deal by April 1, 2025.


"Everybody gets what they wanted," Garafolo continued. "A Super Bowl-ready roster keeps a key piece, and Brandon Aiyuk gets to stay in an offense where he will see the football and get paid all that money you're seeing right there."



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