San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed the swirling trade rumors surrounding star receiver Brandon Aiyuk with a succinct, three-word statement: “Calculated and prepared.”
This remark was made on Tuesday, August 9, amid speculation linking Aiyuk to the Cleveland Browns, New England Patriots, and Pittsburgh Steelers. The 49ers and Aiyuk have been at odds over a contract extension, with Aiyuk currently engaged in a hold-in at training camp, despite his presence at the facility.
The potential trade scenarios are being closely monitored by NFL insiders, with Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reporting that discussions are actively ongoing. According to Rapoport, while negotiations are reportedly more advanced with the Browns and Patriots, the Steelers are also still considered in the mix. The complexity of the deal means that the 49ers could strike an agreement with any of these teams, though no deal has been finalized yet.
Aiyuk, a first-round draft pick in 2020, had an impressive season last year, catching 75 passes for 1,342 yards and 7 touchdowns. He is set to earn $14.124 million next season on his fifth-year option but is seeking a new contract in the vicinity of $30 million, as reported by The Athletic. This desire for a new deal has fueled the ongoing trade rumors.
Shanahan emphasized that, despite the rumors, the situation with Aiyuk remains unchanged. “Nothing has changed,” he asserted, acknowledging that while various scenarios are possible, there has been no definitive progress. Shanahan noted that the resolution of such trade discussions can be lengthy and complex. “You also want it to be [resolved] badly, but this stuff does take time,” he added, highlighting the challenge of losing a player of Aiyuk’s caliber.
Meanwhile, the Browns, who have been prominently mentioned in trade rumors, have remained tight-lipped about the situation. Head coach Kevin Stefanski has declined to comment on any potential trades or rumors, stating his focus remains on current team activities and practice. The speculation around Aiyuk’s future continues, with no clear timeline for a resolution in sight.
