Wednesday, August 21, began with an encouraging opinion on the possibility of a Brandon Aiyuk trade to the Pittsburgh Steelers as Pittsburgh Post-Gazette beat reporter Ray Fittipaldo told 93.7 The Fan’s Morning Show that he’s “still not closing the door” on an eventual deal with the San Francisco 49ers.
Later that evening, the NFL Network insiders provided a lengthy update of their own, breaking down the latest on the entire situation once again.
From The Insiders on @nflnetwork: Day 30 of the Brandon Aiyuk hold-in. He and the #49ers haven’t budged in recent days and Aiyuk seems dug in, the #Steelers still waiting and still in play
Within it, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo explained why “the Steelers trade still remains in play.”
“Since we told you the 49ers made their last [extension] offer, gosh, it was over a week ago,” he began. “The numbers haven’t moved. So, yeah, they are close and they’re within striking distance and it could happen at every moment, but it hasn’t happened. And they’re right by the goal line and they’re kind of staring at each other across the goal line and there’s been no movement, but we’re following up.”
“Brandon Aiyuk seems like he is 10 toes down as they like to say on these things, not moving, and feels like he’s got a bottom line that he’s waiting for the 49ers to meet,” Garafolo went on. “And if they’re not willing to meet [it], he will continue to push for the trade to Pittsburgh.”
The insider also reiterated once again that the Steelers trade negotiations are “done.” All they are waiting on is the resolution of contract talks between the 49ers and Aiyuk.
