What’s the holdup? 49ers and Steelers await Brandon Aiyuk’s decision

Brandon Aiyuk could soon hold a press conference to discuss his new contract extension. The only question is whether it will be with Bay Area media or Pittsburgh reporters. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the San Francisco 49ers have left the decision up to Aiyuk. The team has reportedly worked out the framework of a trade with the Steelers, and now, the next move is Aiyuk's.

Both teams have contract offers on the table. Aiyuk must decide whether to stay with the team that made him a first-round pick in 2020 and compete for a Super Bowl or move to the East Coast.

"Sources say the Steelers and the 49ers have agreed to terms on a trade," Rapoport said on his YouTube channel. "They have agreed to compensation, and the Steelers are in a good place on Brandon Aiyuk's contract. That does not mean the trade is done. ... It simply means if the 49ers say yes, then it is done. That part has not happened yet, but the deal is in place.

"Meanwhile, the 49ers have made an offer for Brandon Aiyuk to keep him there on a long-term extension. He has not accepted that yet. The fact that he has not accepted that yet means it is simply not enough, and the 49ers are not there yet."

This leaves Aiyuk with two choices and two possible scenarios for the 49ers.

"There's the potential trade with the Steelers," Rapoport continued. "Then, there's the potential contract extension with Brandon Aiyuk. Neither thing is done. That is why we are in absolute limbo for Brandon Aiyuk."

The 49ers remain hopeful that Aiyuk will choose to stay in Santa Clara, their Plan A throughout this lengthy process. However, this may be San Francisco's final offer, leaving the decision on where to play the 2024 season and beyond entirely in Aiyuk's hands.