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After inquiring about Brandon Aiyuk‘s availability, the New England Patriots have determined to not discover any additional commerce prospects with the San Francisco 49ers relating to their standout extensive receiver, sources informed ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Tuesday.
The Patriots had been one in all three groups that had been involved with the Niners a few potential commerce for Aiyuk, together with the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers, sources informed ESPN.
New England had been trying to accumulate Aiyuk for months, and it had been a sluggish course of from its facet, in keeping with sources. New England was keen to make Aiyuk one of many high 5 highest-paid extensive receivers within the NFL by way of common wage per yr, a supply stated.
Aiyuk, a second-team All-Professional and the Niners’ greatest receiver in 2023, was on the workforce facility Tuesday however didn’t take part in apply as he continued his hold-in. By the workforce’s first 11 practices of coaching camp, Aiyuk, 26, has usually been noticed watching apply from the sideline, however that hasn’t occurred over the previous couple of classes. He has, nonetheless, been attending conferences and collaborating repeatedly in these.
The Niners confirmed early Tuesday that Aiyuk had acquired permission to barter with different groups however stated there may be nonetheless a state of affairs the place a deal will get finished to maintain Aiyuk in San Francisco.
“It has been at this level for a little bit bit, so nothing actually new to me,” coach Kyle Shanahan stated Tuesday. “You are at all times dissatisfied when you possibly can’t hold maintain of all of your gamers or it is not going precisely proper. I do not like dropping anyone, in order that’s why I am hoping it does work out right here. However proper now, we do not have that solved but. I hope it does.”
The state of affairs may result in a number of outcomes, together with Aiyuk staying with the 49ers and taking part in out the fifth-year choice on his rookie deal that might pay him $14.124 million, sources stated. Different groups are keen to pay Aiyuk greater than twice as a lot, however he has balked to date at a number of gives, in keeping with sources.
The 49ers additionally need to be comfy with any commerce compensation, and sources informed ESPN that the reigning NFC champions are keen to maintain Aiyuk.
“Brandon’s an important participant, so it is actual exhausting to be higher whenever you lose an important participant,” Shanahan stated. “We have got to look into something. We have got to know the state of affairs we’re in, what that appears like, and it does take time — so hopefully, it’s going to all work out one of the best for him and one of the best for us in the long term.”
The Steelers’ talks with the 49ers had been stalled as of Monday evening, however the groups reengaged in commerce discussions Tuesday in an ever-fluid state of affairs that also entails different groups, as properly, sources informed Schefter.
When requested about stories linking the Browns to Aiyuk and whether or not he’s a participant who may assist Cleveland, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski stated, “I do not actually get into stories or speculate. … I am actually simply centered on right this moment and apply.”
Stefanski additionally stated he would hold personal any conversations he has had with Cleveland extensive receiver Amari Cooper, whose identify has been floated in a hypothetical deal for Aiyuk.
A primary-round decide of the Niners in 2020, Aiyuk had 75 catches for 1,342 yards and 7 touchdowns final season.
ESPN’s Mike Reiss, Nick Wagoner and Daniel Oyefusi contributed to this report.
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