Rumors suggesting that the defending NFC Champion San Francisco 49ers will look to trade star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk are not dying down.
It was earlier in the week that a report suggested San Francisco had demanded the Jacksonville Jaguars first-round pick (17th overall) in the 2024 NFL Draft and wide receiver Zay Jones. The Jags were not willing to pay that price.
With rumors heating up about a potential trade to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Aiyuk added more fuel to the fire on social media Tuesday.
The star wide receiver sent a message to Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. It was not necessarily that cryptic, either.
Jokes have been made that Tomlin and Aiyuk look at lot alike. Hence, the wide receiver’s post on X. Though, it also must be noted that this is the first time Aiyuk has posted on X (former Twitter) since all the way back in April of 2023.
Related: Latest NFL trade rumors, including Brandon Aiyuk
Potential Brandon Aiyuk trade to the Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh’s decision to trade Pro Bowl wide receiver Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers earlier in March created a void at this position for new quarterback Russell Wilson.
Obviously, Aiyuk would be an absolutely tremendous fit in Pittsburgh. What the 26-year-old former first-round pick did last season in San Francisco was special.
- Brandon Aiyuk stats (2023): 75 receptions, 1,342 yards, 7 TD, 71.4% completion
San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy posted a 124.0 QB rating when targeting Aiyuk this past season. His route-running ability and shiftiness is considered the best in the game.
Though, it’s all going to be about compensation and a potential Aiyuk extension. He’s set to enter the final year of his rookie contract and wants to be among the highest-paid wide receivers in the NFL. Aiyuk is likely looking at well north of $25 million annually on a new deal.
As for the 49ers, they are not just going to give the star receiver away. Pittsburgh’s first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft (20th overall) would have to be the starting-off point in conversations. The team would also likely have to give up more for San Francisco to pull the trigger.