All Cardinals

Brandon Aiyuk Close to Leaving NFC West

One of the NFC West's best wide receivers is rumored to be on the way out.

Donnie Druin

Feb 11, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) against
Feb 11, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) against / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
In this story:

ARIZONA -- One of the NFC West's best players is seemingly on the way out.

San Francisco 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk has been involved in heavy trade speculation for the past two offseasons as the Arizona State product searches for a new contract.

Aiyuk - who has played an instrumental role in helping the 49ers reach success since arriving as a first-round pick - stayed in the Bay Area last season when all was said and done.

2024 looks to be different.

There's been a handful of teams reportedly calling and showing interest in Aiyuk - some notable squads include the Pittsburgh Steelers, Atlanta Falcons and Buffalo Bills among others.

After unfollowing the 49ers on social media, Aiyuk has reportedly requested a trade from the team according to John Frascella.

From Frascella on Twitter/X:

BREAKING:

Brandon Aiyuk has officially requested a trade from the 49ers, per confirmation from my San Francisco source.

Benjamin Allbright & 49ersSportsTalk have also done some preliminary reporting on this story.

As of Sunday morning, April 14, the Steelers have been the most aggressive in pursuing a trade for Aiyuk, with the Ravens also expressing interest.

My source indicates there’s a 3rd ‘mystery team’ that is coming on strong for Aiyuk, but they refused to divulge any further information.

Overall… WOW. Fireworks coming.

All Steelers' Noah Strackbein confirmed the Steelers are in talks with San Francisco on a potential trade, with one source telling him, "would be surprised if it didn't happen."

Pittsburgh - per Strackbein - has reached out multiple times this offseason. The Steelers likely aren't the only team to do so, either.

Where there's smoke, there's usually fire. At this point in time, it certainly feels like Aiyuk departing the NFC West is a real possibility.

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Donnie Druin
DONNIE DRUIN

Donnie Druin is the Publisher for All Cardinals and Inside The Suns. Donnie moved to Arizona in 2012 and has been with Fan Nation since 2018. In college he won "Best Sports Column" in the state of Arizona for his section and has previously provided coverage for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona State Sun Devils. Follow Donnie on Twitter @DonnieDruin for more news, updates, analysis and more!