It wouldn’t be a San Francisco 49ers offseason without mentions of a trade rumor involving receiver Brandon Aiyuk.
The latest comes in rather opportune timing for multiple teams as the 49ers have had an unproductive free agency and could be interested in dumping Aiyuk’s new average salary of $30 million.
It makes even more sense for the proposed trade partner: the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Pittsburgh agreed to terms with the Dallas Cowboys to trade their electrifying, yet controversial, receiver George Pickens in exchange for draft capital. That leaves newly-acquired receiver DK Metcalf as the only dangerous threat on the Steelers offense.
As insider Mike Florio puts it, San Francisco would “love” to partner with Pittsburgh on a deal to give the Steelers receiver help, according to what he said on 93.7 The Fan in the Steel City.
Trading for Aiyuk could be less expensive as before, as the 2020 first-round draft pick tore his ACL seven games into the 2024 season.
The Steelers’ quarterback situation remains unknown as we continue to wait on Aaron Rodgers’ decision, but that doesn’t change the fact that Metcalf will demand overwhelming coverage if he is left as the only legit receiving option.
Adding Aiyuk would create an interesting pass-catcher duo for current starter Mason Rudolph … but could also turn into more leverage to entice a Rodgers signing.
Let’s say Rodgers doesn’t sign with the Steelers … we assume Pittsburgh would target the top of next year’s QB draft class. Aiyuk may still be a smart decision as veteran receivers could make the job much easier on a rookie quarterback.
Pittsburgh would, however, have to accept Aiyuk’s long-term extension that he signed under a year ago with San Francisco. The four-year deal is worth a total of $120 million. Aiyuk’s cap hit for the 2025 season sits at just under $10 million.
Aiyuk’s knee surgery rehab would also remain a concern along with the finances if San Francisco doesn’t swallow some of those funds.
For the 49ers, they’ve already tried to fight this battle, and had nothing to show for it. That’s why they elected to sign Aiyuk ahead of last season.
Does a torn ACL change any of that? We say it is unlikely, given there are three years left on the brand new extension.
Since April 1 when roster bonuses for 2025 became guaranteed, trade rumors like these have been practically nonexistent.
But at this point in the offseason, Florio believes there is nothing better to do than beat the broken drum that is a Brandon Aiyuk trade – especially if it makes even a little bit of sense like it does right now.