UPDATE (Monday, 10:55 p.m. ET): 49ers reporter Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports that the San Francisco 49ers have the framework of a trade in place with both the New England Patriots and Cleveland Browns. He reports that the Pittsburgh Steelers refused to meet the 49ers trade demands and are now out of the mix for the star wideout.
As Steelers beat reporter Nick Farabaugh points out, it is an interesting move that could be in play to up the ante on other trade offers... potentially forcing Pittsburgh back in the mix?