NFL insider Mike Florio has stirred the trade rumor mill by suggesting that the San Francisco 49ers would “love” to trade wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Appearing on Pro Football Talk, Florio explained that while the 49ers haven’t publicly placed Aiyuk on the trade block, there is internal interest in offloading him — and Pittsburgh could be the ideal destination.
Aiyuk, coming off a career-best season with over 1,300 receiving yards, is due for a lucrative contract extension. The 49ers are already heavily invested in multiple star players and may not be willing to meet Aiyuk’s asking price, especially with cap constraints looming in future seasons. Florio noted that the team’s long-term financial planning could be the driving force behind any potential deal.
For the Steelers, acquiring Aiyuk would provide a much-needed boost to their receiving corps, especially after the departure of Diontae Johnson. Pairing Aiyuk with George Pickens could create a dynamic duo for Pittsburgh’s offense under new quarterback Russell Wilson.
While no deal is imminent, Florio’s comments have reignited speculation that Aiyuk could be on the move before the season starts. The 49ers’ interest in trading him, paired with the Steelers’ need for a top-tier wideout, makes this a storyline worth watching closely as the offseason progresses. Fans in both San Francisco and Pittsburgh will be keeping a close eye on how this situation unfolds in the coming weeks.
