The San Francisco 49ers were on the verge of finalizing a trade that would have sent wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk to the Pittsburgh Steelers. While many fans may already know this, what's less known is just how close the deal came to completion.
On Sunday, Jay Glazer of FOX Sports revealed that on the very day the 49ers secured Aiyuk's contract extension, the team had been on the phone with the Steelers, ironing out the final details of the trade.
"And then, all of a sudden, Brandon Aiyuk happened to show up early to the facility that day, went downstairs, trying to meet with Kyle Shanahan," Glazer said.
Realizing the possibility of re-signing Aiyuk, Shanahan urgently tried to contact the front office to halt the trade talks. But there was a problem—everyone was already on the phone with the Steelers.
"So Shanahan actually ran all the way upstairs, said, 'Hold this. Put a hold on these trade talks right now. Pittsburgh, we'll call you right back,'" Glazer continued. "They went down and talked to Aiyuk for about two hours. They said, 'Look, you have until the end of practice. We're either trading you to Pittsburgh today or you could take the deal that's been on the table. It's up to you, but you have until the end of practice.'"
Aiyuk assured the 49ers that he wanted to stay, ultimately signing the deal that had reportedly been on the table since August 10. Although Aiyuk's agent denied it was the same deal, Glazer's report seems to support the claim.
Regardless of the details, most 49ers fans are relieved that Aiyuk remains in the Bay Area, ready to contribute to another playoff push and championship run.
