Although one of the most prominent “will they, won’t they” disputes in NFL history has officially come to an end thanks to a contract agreement between the San Francisco 49ers and Brandon Aiyuk, the headlines aren’t quite done yet.
Following the 49ers’ devastating Super Bowl defeat to the legendary Kansas City Chiefs, supporters were unsure for months this past off-season whether they would see Aiyuk in San Francisco in 2024.
That all changed Thursday, though, when the 49ers inked the Pro Bowler to a huge $120 million, four-year deal extension. As evidenced by a rumored deal that the 49ers were considering, things weren’t always as they seem now.
The Denver Broncos were one of the numerous teams mentioned in the Aiyuk sweepstakes, according to Dianna Russini. The 49ers offered them a third-round pick as part of a three-team trade.
The 49ers only were willing to trade Brandon Aiyuk if they could get a top-flight WR to replace him. They offered a third-round pick to Denver for Courtland Sutton, and then would’ve dealt Aiyuk to the Steelers, but the Broncos declined the offer.
So, he stays in SF.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) August 29, 2024
As San Francisco gave up a third-round pick in exchange for Aiyuk, the Steelers, who were the third team in the transaction, would have been the biggest challenger for the player.
The Broncos rejected the deal because, quite rightly, they don’t think Sutton is worth just a third-round pick.
