Trade rumors have been hot and cold surrounding WR Brandon Aiyuk all offseason. The San Francisco 49ers picked up his fifth-year option last year for the 2024 season and did not end up negotiating a long-term extension. Aiyuk had the best season of his career in 2023, and is understandably trying to cash in while the iron is hot.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a need at WR after shipping Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers in a trade during the first week of free agency. Aiyuk was linked to the Steelers due to the need, but then he tweeted directly at head coach Mike Tomlin about an unrelated matter, and those rumors kicked into high gear.