**Speculation about Aiyuk trade increases: Negotiations remain uncertain**

As tensions rise, the discussions regarding the potential trade of Brandon Aiyuk converge toward the NFL Draft in April. Despite intense negotiations between the San Francisco 49ers and interested teams, an agreement still seems distant. Over the weekend, the Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots were named as the leading contenders, as confirmed by various reports. On Monday, the Pittsburgh Steelers also emerged as potential suitors. Publicly, the 49ers emphasize their intention to keep Aiyuk, who reached a career-high of 1,342 receiving yards last season. Nevertheless, they do not rule out fielding calls about a possible trade. Since the start of training camp, Aiyuk has been a "hold-in." He attends meetings but has not participated in any practice sessions since spring training, thus avoiding daily fines for missing training camp. During a 49ers practice last week, a warm greeting between Aiyuk and General Manager John Lynch, along with a hug from Coach Kyle Shanahan, sparked speculation about a possible resolution to the contract dispute. Shanahan, however, clarified: "That is just our usual greeting. If there were a camera like on 'Hard Knocks,' you would see that more often. We saw him on the field; he hadn't been around for a while. A 'bro hug,' that's all. Thanks." Aiyuk has one year left on his rookie contract before becoming an unrestricted free agent in March.