BrandonAiyuk

News: 3 days agoThe 49ers are trying to work out a contract with Aiyuk but also have agreed to parameters of a trade with the Steelers, ESPN.com reports.

Spin: It's the latest turn in a lengthy, ongoing drama, with Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reporting that a trade to Pittsburgh is "one phone call away." The 49ers previously discussed Aiyuk trades with the Browns and Patriots, but reports suggested negotiations fell through due to the receiver's hesitance about signing a long-term deal with either team. He's apparently willing to go to Pittsburgh, which essentially leaves everyone waiting on the 49ers to either complete a trade or meet Aiyuk's contract demands. It's possible the Steelers eventually rescind their offer if San Francisco's front office continues to drag negotiations out with the effort to convince Aiyuk to take less than what Pittsburgh is offering.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: While Aiyuk didn't draw a ton of targets relative to the position (105, WR30), he did materialize as the 49ers' most peppered pass-catcher, registering 21 more looks and eight more grabs than Christian McCaffrey. Aiyuk's next-level efficiency and career-best YPR (17.9, WR2) buoyed his volume and provided fantasy managers with regular double-digit fantasy totals. A regression remains reasonable to expect heading into 2024, but Aiyuk is a primary target in an elite offense and, thus, a solid WR2 target.