Brandon Aiyuk

The Steelers actively pursued Aiyuk last year, but, as Lombardi notes, Pickens was not on the trade block until the 2025 offseason. Aiyuk ultimately stayed in San Francisco on a new contract and the Steelers moved Pickens to Dallas ahead of the 2025 season. The move worked out terrifically for Pickens, who is putting up top-five receiving numbers with the Cowboys. Everyone else involved likely wishes they had handled things differently. Aiyuk has since had guarantees in his contract voided, meaning he and the 49ers are headed for an ugly split after the season. It wouldn't be surprising to see the Steelers pursue him again next offseason.

49ers General Manager John Lynch said Tuesday morning he is "not sure" Brandon Aiyuk's return is realistic this season.

49ers General Manager John Lynch said Tuesday morning he is "not sure" Brandon Aiyuk's return is realistic this season.

After months of drama surrounding wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk‘s future, the 49ers handed him a four-year, $120MM extension in August 2024. Considering how Aiyuk’s career has gone since then, it’s a move the 49ers would likely undo if given the chance. After Aiyuk got off to a slow start last year, his season ended with […]

Fowler notes that Aiyuk played with Jayden Daniels at Arizona State and that Adam Peters, a former San Francisco assistant GM, is running the show in Washington. This is in a hypothetical scenario where Aiyuk becomes a free agent -- we don't necessarily know that we're going to end up here -- but the fact that the 49ers voided his guarantees makes it a plausible idea.