First Call: NFC team emerges in Brandon Aiyuk trade conversation; ex-Steeler released from Chiefs

There is a twist in the Brandon Aiyuk story that Pittsburgh Steelers fans won’t like. An ex-Steeler is getting cut. An ex-Penguin may be looking for a new team. And a new Ravens QB may get a position change.

All that in Tuesday’s “First Call.”

Mr. Aiyuk going to Washington?

Disgruntled San Francisco 49ers star Brandon Aiyuk has called for a meeting with team management in an attempt to break through the impasse in his contract negotiations.

That was according to ESPN’s Ryan Clark on “NFL Live” on Monday.

A former safety in both Washington and Pittsburgh, Clark also said that during a recent taping of his podcast (“The Pivot”) with Aiyuk, the receiver was accompanied by Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Wild: Brandon Aiyuk walked into the room with #Commanders QB Jayden Daniels to tell Ryan Clark that he's meeting with the #49ers today pic.twitter.com/HNM2WM5KM1 https://t.co/yBr7ti3lHa

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) June 24, 2024

Daniels, a teammate of Aiyuk’s when both men were at Arizona State, was also the person on the other end of the phone when Aiyuk filmed himself stating that he believed San Francisco didn’t want him anymore. Aiyuk later posted that exchange on social media.

The 49ers have previously insisted the entire offseason they want to retain the 2023 second-team All-Pro for years to come. He is under contract this coming season at a $14.1 million salary on the fifth-year option of his rookie deal but would like more guaranteed money and long-term security.

Aiyuk has already reportedly turned down an offer worth $26 million per season. The Steelers currently have $15.9 million in cap space.

Back in March, Aiyuk started making social media overtures to the Steelers and head coach Mike Tomlin. That was back when his contract saga was in his infancy. But GM John Lynch dismissed that idea.

As we are getting closer to training camp, let’s see what Lynch thinks now with either Pittsburgh, Washington or any other team as a potential dance partner.

Bye-bye, Buggs

Isaiah Buggs is getting released by the Kansas City Chiefs. That’s according to the NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

The #Chiefs have informed DL Isaiah Buggs they’re releasing him, per source. pic.twitter.com/OgcTuVT2zo

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 24, 2024

The former Steeler and Detroit Lion has had multiple legal entanglements this offseason. According to ESPN, the 27-year-old defensive lineman is currently in jail while facing domestic violence and burglary charges. That’s the result of an incident in Alabama earlier this month.

Via CBS Sports.com, Tuscaloosa district court documents alleged that Buggs “unlawfully” entered a woman’s apartment that morning and dragged the mother of his child down the stairs with the “intent to commit a crime.”

Buggs also turned himself in on animal cruelty charges in late May. Two dogs allegedly belonging to him were found to be neglected and severely malnourished. One of the dogs had to be put down.

The player’s agent, Trey Robinson, has told ESPN.com that his client is the victim of a “subversive campaign” to force the closure of the hookah lounge he owns in Tuscaloosa.

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Ravens reboot

The Baltimore Ravens are trying to remake one of their quarterbacks into a wide receiver.

No, Steelers fans, it’s not Lamar Jackson. And, no, Steelers fans, I’m not inferring that your team should do the same thing with Justin Fields.

That is, however, the plan apparently in Baltimore for Malik Cunningham. That’s despite the fact that Cunningham was primarily a QB with the New England Patriots last year after playing the position in college at Louisville, which is also Jackson’s alma mater.

“(He’s) kind of a natural at the position,” head coach John Harbaugh said according to Jamison Hensley of ESPN. “I’ve seen that he understands the game from the perspective of the quarterback, so (his) routes and coverage and timing and things like that have been excellent.”

Hensley believes that Cunningham “has put himself in position to compete for the No. 5 wide receiver spot and the returner job.”

At Louisville, Cunningham, ran for 3,182 yards and 50 touchdowns, while passing for 9,664 yards and 70 touchdowns.

Addison available?

It appears that former Pittsburgh Penguins prospect Calen Addison is looking for a new home. The 24-year-old San Jose Sharks defenseman is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights.

Via Eric Stephens of The Athletic, Sharks general manager Mike Grier says that the team has decided to move on from Addison.

Sharks GM Mike Grier said there have been conversations with regard to re-signing RFAs Luke Kunin and Filip Zadina. Said both are still in their mix. Grier did confirm that they'll move on from Calen Addison and won't re-sign the defenseman. Addison is an arb-eligible RFA.

— Eric Stephens (@icemancometh) June 24, 2024

On Feb. 10, 2020, Addison was part of the Jason Zucker trade. He was dealt from Pittsburgh to Minnesota with Alex Galchenyuk and a first-round pick in exchange for Zucker.

The Manitoba native was selected by the Penguins in the second round (53rd overall) of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. He ended up playing just three games with Wilkes-Barre Scranton before being traded.

From 2021-24, Addison played parts of three seasons with the Wild and one year in San Jose. Addison put up 12 points in 60 games with the Sharks a season ago.