The resolution of Brandon Aiyuk’s contract negotiations with the 49ers could have taken a very different turn amid the prolonged standoff between San Francisco and the All-Pro wide receiver.

The 49ers were willing to trade Aiyuk if they could find a quality wide receiver to replace him, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported Thursday.

Russini’s report also notes that San Francisco offered a third-round draft pick in exchange for Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton, which the latter turned down. If the Broncos had accepted the 49ers’ offer, San Francisco reportedly would have traded Aiyuk to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

A deal never materialized, and San Francisco reportedly handed Aiyuk a lucrative four-year, $120 million contract extension on Thursday.

It would have been difficult for the 49ers to find a suitable replacement at this point in the NFL schedule, especially after Aiyuk had reached the 1,000-yard mark in back-to-back seasons, cementing his place among the league’s top receivers.

Instead of worrying about replacing Aiyuk’s incredible production as a receiver and in the run game, San Francisco can now focus on preparing one of its strongest offensive weapons for the 49ers’ Week 1 matchup against the New York Jets in 10 days.

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