Shanahan states improving would be hard without ‘great player’ Aiyuk

SANTA CLARA — The 49ers might have a roster capable of challenging for a Super Bowl, but the organization does not appear willing to do anything it would take to retain Brandon Aiyuk. There are considerations for the future that seemingly have prevented the 49ers from offering Aiyuk the kind of contract that already would have gotten a new contract signed. The 49ers have the frameworks for trades in place with the Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots, a source told NBC Sports Bay Area on Monday. Trade talks with the Pittsburgh Steelers have re-opened, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Tuesday, citing league sources. The dilemma for the 49ers is that it will be difficult for them to not experience a drop-off during the 2024 NFL season if Aiyuk is sent to another team. "Brandon is a great player, so it's real hard to be better when you lose a great player," Shanahan said Tuesday. "So we got to look into anything. We got to understand the situation we're in and what that looks like. And that does take time. Hopefully that all works out best for him and best for us in the long run." The 49ers certainly could benefit in future seasons if trading Aiyuk means they pick up some...