The Brandon Aiyuk saga has hit its latest chapter, one that trends closer to the 49ers star possibly staying put.
San Francisco is now pushing to get a long-term deal done with Aiyuk, NFL Network Insiders Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo reported Friday, per sources.
Pelissero added that the situation is fluid, with other teams like the Steelers remaining in the mix, but things are moving and the wide receiver's return now appears increasingly possible.
Not even to their first preseason game, which the 49ers play Saturday, it has been a trudging odyssey to reach this point.
The 26-year-old has long desired a new deal, a demand that accompanied his not participating in organized team activities, skipping mandatory minicamp and eventually requesting a trade in mid-July.
As of now, he's a training camp hold-in awaiting a resolution.
In a shift from just four days ago, when the winds were moving more in the way of a trade, that resolution could now mean Aiyuk gets the deal he wants with the team he wants -- one that can sustain him and also challenge for a Super Bowl.
The 49ers have much to gain from keeping Aiyuk around rather than moving him, even if a trade ultimately saved money for future extensions like quarterback Brock Purdy and hauled in draft picks, a new wideout or both.
Not a Pro Bowler yet through four seasons, Aiyuk has nonetheless been an integral piece to the Niners' NFC dominance. He's caught 25 touchdowns in his career and tallied 100-plus catches in each of the past two years, and he's also increased his yardage output in every campaign, going from 748 as a rookie to 1,342 in 2023.
With Aiyuk, San Francisco's offense possesses an endless roll call of game-breaking talent that includes running Christian McCaffrey, tight end George Kittle and fellow WR Deebo Samuel.
In just the past week, though, CMC strained a calf and first-round wideout Ricky Pearsall aggravated a shoulder injury, perhaps showcasing the fragility brought on by thinning out the ranks at this early point of the season, especially if it's moving on from someone as dynamic at Aiyuk.
So, although nothing is set in stone -- trade or otherwise -- the 49ers are making moves to try to bridge the gap and keep Aiyuk around for the foreseeable future.
If they get it done, then they can focus together on bridging the gap that's held them back from a Lombardi Trophy in recent runs.
