HUGE LOSS: Browns’ top target is reportedly set to join rival team.
The 49ers have agreed on a deal structure that would send wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk to the Cleveland Browns or the New England Patriots, a league source informed NBC Sports Bay Area Monday night.
According to the source, it is now up to Aiyuk to decide whether or not to accept the contract terms offered by either franchise.
The 49ers allowed Aiyuk to negotiate potential contracts with the Browns, Patriots, Washington Commanders, and Pittsburgh Steelers, according to the source.
The Commanders have withdrawn from trade talks for Aiyuk, and the Steelers are effectively out of the picture after refusing to fulfill the 49ers’ trade demands, according to the source.
According to the source, the Browns and Patriots made their best offers to Aiyuk’s camp while also making trade proposals, which the 49ers approved.
The 49ers are likely to acquire a seasoned wide out and a package of draft picks from the Browns or Patriots.
According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, the Browns might add Aiyuk if wide receiver Amari Cooper is traded to the 49ers.
If Aiyuk accepts New England’s offer, the Patriots are likely to include former 49ers wide receiver Kendrick Bourne in the transaction.
If Aiyuk declines to sign a multiyear contract with the Browns or Patriots, he may remain with the 49ers. However, Aiyuk and the 49ers haven’t had significant contract talks in months. He remains under contract with the 49ers on a rookie deal that will pay him $14.124 million this season.
Aiyuk, 26, arrived on time for 49ers training camp, but he is not scheduled to practice with any team this summer until his contract status is sorted.
Aiyuk led the 49ers in receptions and receiving yards the previous two seasons. Last season, he caught 75 passes for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns, earning him second-team AP All-Pro honors.
Eight wide receivers presently earn at least $25 million per season, and Aiyuk could be looking for a deal worth around $30 million per year.
