HUGE LOSS: Patriots’ top target is reportedly set to join rival team.
The 49ers have reached an agreement to trade wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk to the Cleveland Browns or the New England Patriots, a league source told NBC Sports Bay Area Monday night.
According to the source, Aiyuk now has to determine whether or not to accept the contract terms given by either franchise.
According to the source, the 49ers gave Aiyuk the opportunity to negotiate contracts with the Browns, Patriots, Washington Commanders, and Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Commanders have pulled out of trade talks for Aiyuk, and the Steelers are effectively out of the picture after refusing to meet the 49ers’ trade demands, according to the source.
According to the source, the Browns and Patriots made their best offers to Aiyuk’s camp, along with trade suggestions that the 49ers authorized.
The 49ers are expected to acquire a veteran wide out and a package of draft picks from the Browns or Patriots.
According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, the Browns may sign Aiyuk if wide receiver Amari Cooper is traded to the 49ers.
If Aiyuk accepts New England’s offer, the Patriots are expected to include former 49ers wide receiver Kendrick Bourne.
If Aiyuk declines to sign a multiyear contract with the Browns or Patriots, he might stay with the 49ers. However, Aiyuk and the 49ers have not had major contract discussions in months. He remains under contract with the 49ers on a rookie deal worth $14.124 million this season.
Aiyuk, 26, arrived on time for the 49ers’ training camp, but he is not slated to practice with any team this summer until his contract situation is resolved.
Aiyuk led the 49ers in receptions and receiving yards the prior two years. Last season, he caught 75 passes for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns, earning him second-team AP All-Pro recognition.
Eight wide receivers currently earn at least $25 million each season, and Aiyuk may be aiming for a contract worth approximately $30 million per year.
