There’s only so much money to go around.
That’s the dilemma the San Francisco 49ers are facing as they brace to give Brock Purdy a massive payday in the coming months.
General Manager John Lynch has already cut ties with Deebo Samuel and other longtime 49ers like Dre Greenlaw and Chavarius Ward.
Another massive name could be next.
Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio appeared on 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh to discuss the Steelers next target: Brandon Aiyuk.
With George Pickens gone, Pittsburgh is in need of a wideout to pair with DK Metcalf.
The hosts of the show mentioned Aiyuk along with Tyreek Hill and DJ Moore, but Florio first addressed Aiyuk because the 49ers are motivated to ship him away.
“The 49ers would love to unload Brandon Aiyuk’s contract,” Florio said. “He’s got two years fully guaranteed and is coming off a torn ACL.”
I know it feels like Groundhog Day at this point Steelers fans, but for the right price (probably a 3rd round pick, which PIT has 3 of in 2026), I would be in on trading for Brandon Aiyuk if SF is looking to unload him this offseason.
– It’s a much more manageable contract that… pic.twitter.com/I0rV4pniQq
— Jack Sperry (@jack_sperry) May 7, 2025
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Aiyuk agreed to a four-year, $120 million last year after a lengthy holdout. He tore his ACL in October and was ruled out for the rest of the year.
When the 49ers signed the wide receiver, he was healthier and Brock Purdy was cheaper. Now, San Francisco needs cap space and Pittsburgh needs a wide receiver.
What would a Brandon Aiyuk trade look like?
Here’s a hypothetical trade between the Steelers and 49ers:
49ers receive:
- 2026 3rd round pick
- 2026 5th round pick (DAL)
Steelers receive:
It’s a great trade for the Steelers, who have three picks in the third round and two in the fifth. The 49ers can offload a player who might be a sunk cost and make room for their quarterback of the future.
San Francisco has second-year wideout Ricky Pearsall and drafted Jordan Watkins in the fourth round this year. If that’s any indication of their future plans, it’s to get younger on the offense not older.
With Aiyuk turning 28 and Deebo Samuel already out the door, it could be a new era for the 49ers soon.
