Brandon Aiyuk rumors tracker: Steelers not budging on 49ers biggest ask

Here's what we know for certain: Brandon Aiyuk is the hottest name in the NFL right now.

Will the San Francisco 49ers trade him? Will he choose the Cleveland Browns or New England Patriots? Are the Pittsburgh Steelers still in it?

The answers to those questions are far less clear.

The situation with Aiyuk is as fluid as they come. At any moment, he could be traded. At any moment, a report could drop changing everything we think we know.

So we're keeping track of the updates as they come!

Tracking the Brandon Aiyuk rumor mill

"Bro Hugs" and brooding

Michael Silver of the San Francisco Chronicle describes the situation as a "war of wills" between the 49ers and Aiyuk.

Essentially, the 49ers thought they had all the leverage. Then Aiyuk requested a trade and refused to practice when training camp began. Now San Francisco seems backed into a corner.

Kyle Shanahan signed off on the decision to actually open the door to trading Aiyuk, according to Silver. The reason? "Quite simply, according to multiple sources, the head coach is bothered by Aiyuk’s behavior, from the receiver’s conspicuous 'bro hugs' to his perceived brooding, and willing to move on."

The "bro hugs" line appears to refer to this moment at training camp.

I'll let someone else explain what Shanahan would be mad about on that one. I don't get it.

A trade looks more likely than not

Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reported on Monday night that the 49ers had a trade framework in place with the Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots. The Washington Commanders removed themselves from contention and the Pittsburgh Steelers had been priced out.

By Tuesday afternoon, Adam Schefter reported that the Steelers and 49ers had "re-engaged" on trade talks.

Maiocca backed that idea up. He told Instagram Live viewers that he expected Aiyuk to stay put on Monday night, when the Browns and Patriots were his only options. But the reemergence of the Steelers on Tuesday changed his mind about Aiyuk's chances of leaving. He thinks it's now likely.

Everyone thinks Aiyuk prefers the Steelers

Mike Garafolo of NFL Network said what Michael Silver hinted at and many have been speculating about for months...Brandon Aiyuk wants to play for the Steelers.

If that's the case, then the Steelers don't have to match the more aggressive offers made by the Browns and Patriots. They simply have to offer enough to force the 49ers to cave on their asking price.

That's probably what this whole wait is about. Where do things go from here? We'll find out.

Patriots back out of trade talks

The Patriots "have decided not to explore any further trade possibilities" regarding Aiyuk, according to Adam Schefter.

That leaves the Browns and Steelers as remaining suitors.

Cleveland obviously still has a 50-50 shot here but New England bowing out bodes very well for Pittsburgh more than anyone. By passing, the Patriots made it that much harder for the 49ers to squeeze the Steelers for more trade assets.

We can draw a line between New England dropping out and Aiyuk's reported disinterest in them. If indeed Aiyuk only has eyes for Pittsburgh, will the Browns be more stubborn or accept the same fate?

Steelers and 49ers seemingly reach verbal agreement on Brandon Aiyuk trade

According to Andrew Fillipponi of 93.7 The Fan, the Steelers and the 49ers "have a verbal agreement in place" for a trade centered around Aiyuk. Fillipponi says that the "terms of the deal and contract details are being hammered out."

However, various NFL insiders, such as Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report, Dianna Russini of The Athletic, and Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports have all said that there is no deal in place between the 49ers and Steelers. All said talks are ongoing.

Steelers aren't giving up a player for Aiyuk

The majority of insiders continue to indicate that no deal has been reached between the 49ers and Steelers over Aiyuk. Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette added a new nugget there.

Pittsburgh is not going to give up a player in a trade for Aiyuk, according to Dulac. Rumors had suggested wide receiver Calvin Austin, left tackle Dan Moore or right guard James Daniels could be involved.

49ers are taking their time

Adam Schefter helped explain the waiting game the NFL world was subjected to on Wednesday. Despite all the reports and rumors of a deal being done or close or worked on, the ESPN insider said the 49ers aren't operating with the same urgency.

"They are not rushing into anything. They're going to take their time, be deliberate and see what's out there before they make any move at all because they do know that they would be moving on from a very good wide receiver," Schefter said.

Replacement WR is roadblock for Aiyuk trade

It's been a long time since Aiyuk was reportedly a done deal to Pittsburgh. Over the last several days, it has become clear the Steelers are the only ones truly in the running for the 49ers wide receiver. So, what's the hold up?

According to Gary Dulac, a key factor continues to be a replacement wide receiver going back to San Francisco. The Steelers don't want to provide that player. So the wait continues.

Stay tuned for more updates!