San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is facing the reality that securing the lucrative, top-dollar contract he desires may not be as easy as he had hoped. While reports suggest that the New England Patriots were willing to offer Aiyuk a staggering $30 million per season, it seems that no other team is willing to match such a high price tag, including the Pittsburgh Steelers.

According to Albert Breer's Monday column in Sports Illustrated's MMQB, the Steelers' contract offer to Aiyuk is in close proximity to what the 49ers have put on the table for the 26-year-old star receiver. This revelation sheds light on the recent resumption of contract talks between Aiyuk and the 49ers in the past few weeks.

"The Brandon Aiyuk situation drags on, and I don't have a whole lot to add on it," wrote Breer. "The San Francisco 49ers' star didn't want to go to New England, which offered him more than $30 million per year in its proposals, or the Cleveland Browns. The Steelers' price point was less than $28 million, which put Pittsburgh right in the neighborhood the Niners were inhabiting—with Mike Tomlin's presence there the drawing card. That, in turn, pushed Aiyuk back to the table with the Niners."

Last Tuesday, NFL Media's Mike Garafolo reported that Aiyuk and the 49ers had exchanged contract offers that were within range of each other, hinting at a potential agreement. However, it seems that one final hurdle has yet to be overcome in order to finalize the terms.

Aiyuk's desire for a significant payday, along with the reported offers from the Patriots and Steelers falling short of his expectations, highlights the challenge he faces in finding a team willing to meet his financial demands. As negotiations continue, it remains uncertain whether Aiyuk and the 49ers will eventually reach a mutual agreement that satisfies both parties.

With each passing day, the pressure mounts for Aiyuk and the 49ers to secure a deal, especially as the 2022 NFL season approaches. Fans eagerly await news of a resolution as Aiyuk's future with the team hangs in the balance.