Christian McCaffrey speaking to NFL Network (left). Brandon aiyuk looking on (right).Christian McCaffrey and Brandon Aiyuk (Photos via @kevinkruegs Twitter and Getty Images)
San Francisco 49ers superstar running back Christian McCaffrey may have inadvertently revealed teammate Brandon Aiyuk’s fate during an interview with NFL Network on Tuesday.

On Monday evening, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reported that the 49ers have “the framework” in place with the New England Patriots and Cleveland Browns for a Brandon Aiyuk trade. Nothing has been finalized as of Tuesday evening, but Christian McCaffrey dropped another significant hint about Aiyuk’s future.

Speaking to Chris Rose and Steve Wyche of NFL Network, McCaffrey accidentally referred to the 26-year-old Aiyuk as “a former teammate.” The reigning rushing champion quickly realized his mistake and attempted to correct himself:

“It’s not part of my job, it’s not part of my position. Obviously, as a former teammate…or you know, a teammate of his in general, any teammate that you have you love, you respect them. You want the best for them.”

It’s hard not to interpret Christian McCaffrey’s “former teammate” reference as a hint that the 49ers have informed him about a looming Aiyuk trade. Again, nothing has been confirmed at this time.

Interestingly, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Tuesday afternoon that the Pittsburgh Steelers have also re-emerged as players in the Aiyuk sweepstakes. Leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft, the Steelers had been linked to the two-time 1,000-yard receiver.

There’s always the outside chance that the 49ers will reach an agreement on an extension with Aiyuk, but the clock is ticking on that front. With Week 1 approaching, it’s obvious that all parties would like to reach a resolution as soon as possible.

The 49ers will open their 2024 season with a home tilt against Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets at Levi’s Stadium in a “Monday Night Football” clash on Sept. 9.

Christian McCaffrey May Have A Greater Workload In 2024

Last season, Run CMC ran the ball 272 times for 1,459 yards and 14 touchdowns to go along with 67 receptions for 564 yards and seven receiving scores. And yet, the-28-year-old may see his already- heavy workload increase if the 49ers end up trading their superstar wide receiver.