Just NOW, the San Francisco 49ers have just signed the Pittsburgh Steelers’s WR, That worth $30 million.
In that case, the 49ers could acquire an experienced receiver to make up for Aiyuk’s loss right away, and the All-Pro wide receiver would sign with a team that would give him the large salary he wants.
With the Browns, Cooper, 30, caught 72 catches for 1,250 yards and five scores in his final season. In his nine years in the NFL, he has seven seasons with 1,000 yards or more.
Aiyuk 26, a younger player who has grown each season he has played in the NFL, would be acquired by the Browns. He hauled in 75 catches for 1,342 yards and seven scores in the previous season. He was chosen as an AP All-Pro second team member.
At the start of training camp, general manager John Lynch stated that he anticipated Aiyuk
And the thing that has changed is that, despite coming close to reaching an agreement months ago, Aiyuk and San Francisco have taken longer than anticipated to complete a contract. The contract negotiations collapsed along with the receiver market.
The Browns would also probably send the 49ers additional draft picks, maybe including a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, because Cooper is in the final year of his deal.
Naturally, a deal of that kind would only happen if Aiyuk signed a long-term deal with the Browns, paying him among the highest salaries in the NFL as a receiver.
If the parties are in serious negotiations, the 49ers would have given Aiyuk’s representation permission to speak with any possible trade partners that have been agreed upon.
San Francisco still has a contract with Aiyuk. This season, he is expected to earn $14.124 million, as the 49ers selected his fully guaranteed fifth-year option last year.
Aiyuk would most likely receive a salary of about $30 million a season under a new deal.
The 49ers would also make sense to trade with the Patriots. Former 49ers wide receiver Kendrick Bourne might be acquired by the Patriots in exchange for an alluring haul of 2025 draft picks.
Aiyuk arrived at training camp on July 23, but as part of his “hold-in” while his contract dispute is still pending, he hasn’t practiced yet.
He has been in Santa Clara on a frequent basis. He frequently observes practices and goes to meetings. Every step he takes around Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan on the practice pitch is watched closely.
Aiyuk has indicated that he would like to stay with the 49ers, so that option is still open. All he needs to do is accept the most recent offer from San Francisco, which is reportedly at least a few million less than the $30 million annual barrier.
