The 49ers are looking for major compensation for receiver Brandon Aiyuk.
The defending NFC champions are seeking two first-round picks in exchange for their star wideout, as reported by Steel City Insider’s Jim Wexell.
Aiyuk, 26, recently requested a trade from San Francisco after they could not agree on a long-term contract.
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The Pittsburgh Steelers engaged in negotiations with San Francisco on Tuesday, per ESPN, which followed reports Monday that the Browns and Patriots had emerged as the two finalists.
The Patriots have since bowed out of the running.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter referred to the trade talks as an “ever-fluid situation.”
Despite the back-and-forth conversations, the Steelers and 49ers had not made any verbal agreements as of Wednesday night, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
The outlet added that the possible deal wouldn’t require the Steelers sending a player in return.
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Any Aiyuk deal would require him agreeing to a long-term extension, meaning both the team (trade assets) and Aiyuk (contract) have to be in agreement for a trade to work.
The Patriots reportedly were willing to make him one of the five highest-paid receivers in the league before pulling out of talks, instead focusing on their young and emerging talent.
The Steelers, with their new quarterback room of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, could use an explosive playmaker after trading Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers earlier this offseason.
The team’s depth chart currently lists George Pickens, Calvin Austin III and Van Jefferson as the starters in three-receiver sets.
Aiyuk would take over as the team’s No. 1 receiver after posting a career-high 1,342 yards for the 49ers last season and helping them advance to the Super Bowl.
It’s still possible Aiyuk could stay with the 49ers and play on his fifth-year option or potentially receive the long-term deal he’s seeking.