If the San Francisco 49ers want to ink a deal with Brandon Aiyuk rather than trade him to the Pittsburgh Steelers, they may have to pay a tax. Or rather, they may have to account for the taxes Aiyuk will have to pay as a resident of California. They haven’t gotten a deal done because the 49ers have balked at overpaying for him. To overcome the financial obstacle in this negotiation, then Aiyuk may force them to weigh the difference in tax burdens between a player for the 49ers and a player for the Steelers.
Brandon Aiyuk is prepared to play for either the 49ers or the Steelers, but he wants his fair compensation.