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The New England Patriots are officially out of the race for star receiver Brandon Aiyuk. ESPN's Adam Schefter dropped the bombshell, revealing that the Patriots had the framework of a deal in place with the San Francisco 49ers. The deal hinged on a long-term contract agreement with Aiyuk, but NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco reported that Aiyuk had zero interest in heading to New England.
Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns aren't sitting idle. They, too, have a deal structure ready with the 49ers, and the Pittsburgh Steelers have jumped back into the fray, resuming talks with San Francisco on Tuesday to hammer out trade terms. The drama intensifies as multiple teams vie for Aiyuk's talents.
The main snag in these negotiations is Aiyuk's contract demands. The receiver is eyeing a payday that would place him among the NFL's highest-paid receivers. His desire for a lucrative deal is proving to be a significant hurdle for any potential suitors.
Aiyuk's contract conundrum: Star receiver seeks market value
Currently, Aiyuk is set to earn $14.124 million on a fifth-year option, a figure that falls far short of the market value. With 21 receivers now earning an average of at least $20 million annually, Aiyuk's financial aspirations are clear.
At 26, Aiyuk has established himself as a top-tier talent. Over the past two seasons, he has racked up 153 receptions for 2,357 yards and 15 touchdowns, making him a hot commodity in the league.
The race for Aiyuk is heating up, with the Browns and Steelers battling it out. As the saga unfolds, the NFL world watches closely to see where this star receiver will land next.