Brandon Aiyuk catching a ball.Brandon Aiyuk (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
An AFC contender is reportedly trying to bolster its offense by trading for San Francisco 49ers superstar Brandon Aiyuk, who’s entering the final season of his rookie contract.

Brandon Aiyuk has been the subject of trade rumors in recent months, with some reports indicating that he wants to be moved. But the 49ers have made it clear that they want to keep the 2020 first-round pick, who has emerged as the No. 1 receiver in Kyle Shanahan’s star-studded offense.

If San Fran ends up shopping Aiyuk, there won’t be a shortage of teams interested in the 26-year-old and two-time 1,000-yard receiver.

According to NFL insider Benjamin Allbright, the Pittsburgh Steelers are pursuing a trade for Brandon Aiyuk to help new starting quarterback Russell Wilson. Pittsburgh needs help at wide receiver after trading star Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers last month.

Also Read: 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk Drops Major Hint That A Trade Is Coming With Latest Social Media Activity

 

The Steelers brought in Wilson, Justin Fields and Kyle Allen to round out the quarterback room after parting ways with Kenny Pickett (traded to Philadelphia), Mitch Trubisky (released and signed with Buffalo) and Mason Rudolph (signed with Tennessee).

The quarterback room certainly looks better on paper, but the Steelers could use another playmaking wideout to complement George Pickens in the passing game. Even if Aiyuk isn’t available via trade, they can draft someone in the receiver-heavy 2024 class.

Brandon Aiyuk Is Coming Off A Career Year

Aiyuk had the best season of his young career in 2023, racking up 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns. This marked his second straight 1,000-yard season, as Aiyuk finished with 1,015 in the 2022 campaign.

With Deebo Samuel battling injuries, Aiyuk emerged as the 49ers’ clear-cut No. 1 wide receiver. Considering how great his numbers have been in an offense with Samuel, George Kittle and Christian McCaffrey, one can only wonder how much better Aiyuk would be with more targets in a better offense.

But of course, it remains to be seen if the 49ers will actually listen to offers on Aiyuk.