Will the San Francisco 49ers find a way to keep their core together?
At this point, it's very unclear. The 49ers have been in trade rumors all offseason as they try to figure out if either Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel will be with the team for the long-term.
Both Aiyuk and Samuel have been in trade rumors at different points but both currently remain with San Francisco. While this is the case, Aiyuk has seemed like the most likely trade candidate.
He has been discussing a new deal with the 49ers and it seemed like they were making progress on a move, but talks now have "stalled," according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.
"They're going to see what happens over the next six weeks leading into training camp," Fowler said as transcribed by Bleacher Report's Joesph Zucker. "The 49ers want Aiyuk long-term in the fold but so far, they have not been willing to show that they're going to meet the market of wide receiver, which we're seeing these massive numbers. Amon-Ra St. Brown in Detroit $30 million, and Justin Jefferson is well above that. Aiyuk believes he's a top guy, and so, something's got to give. And so, he's worked himself into a top-10 receiver conversation. We'll see, not a lot of momentum right now. Not a lot of optimism."
Aiyuk has been an integral part of the 49ers' offense over the last few years and it would be devastating to see him go. While this is the case, it sounds like the two sides aren't close on a deal. If that doesn't change soon, don't be surprised if trade talks pick back up.
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