Brandon Aiyuk cancels Steelers trade before 49ers extension

In a surprising turn of events, Brandon Aiyuk was on the verge of being traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers before he ultimately decided to stay with the San Francisco 49ers. This occurred on August 29, 2023, just before Aiyuk signed a lucrative four-year contract extension worth $120 million. The trade discussions were advanced, with both teams nearly finalizing the deal when Aiyuk unexpectedly arrived early at the 49ers' facility. 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, upon learning of Aiyuk's presence, rushed to halt the trade negotiations. He attempted to contact the front office, which was preoccupied with finalizing the trade. Shanahan's urgency led him to run upstairs to put a stop to the impending deal, indicating the team's desire to retain Aiyuk. After a two-hour meeting with Shanahan, general manager John Lynch, and other front office members, Aiyuk was presented with an ultimatum: he could either accept the trade to Pittsburgh or sign the extension offered by the 49ers. Aiyuk ultimately chose to remain with the team, expressing his commitment to the franchise. This decision not only solidified Aiyuk's place on the 49ers but also highlighted his value, as he was ranked as the second-best wide receiver in the NFL last season. His performance included 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns, showcasing his significant impact on the team's offense.