Brandon Aiyuk Could Leave NFC West

The San Francisco 49ers could trade one of their best weapons.

ARIZONA -- Another offseason, another time window full of smoke with a star in the NFC West looking to get moved. 

Last year it was Arizona Cardinals WR DeAndre Hopkins, who was eventually dropped from the team in the summer. 

Now, it could be San Francisco 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk. 

Earlier in the offseason, ESPN NFL insider Dan Graziano reported the following:

"Aiyuk's situation looms the largest over this 49ers offseason, and if they can't find a way to a contract extension, the talented wideout could theoretically ask to be traded to a team that's willing and able to pay him," he wrote. 

"I want to stress that this is speculative: I do not know whether Aiyuk will want out if his contract is not extended. But I do know it's not going to be easy for the Niners to extend him and that other wide receivers in similar situations in recent years -- such as Davante Adams, Tyreek Hill and A.J. Brown -- have asked to be traded and gotten their wish."

That speculation hasn't gone away, and now there's reports of the Pittsburgh Steelers having interest in Aiyuk's services.

"Sources: The Steelers have looked into 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk. He’s entering the last year of his contract. Steelers would have to execute a sign and trade. But they’ve shown interest," wrote 93.7's Andrew Fillipponi on Twitter/X.

Sources: The Steelers have looked into 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk. He’s entering the last year of his contract. Steelers would have to execute a sign and trade. But they’ve shown interest. pic.twitter.com/Ftef5j2Ddr

— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) March 19, 2024

All Steelers' Noah Strackbein provided some more insight:

"The Jaguars were reportedly working on a deal for Aiyuk, but the asking price was a first-round pick and wide receiver Zay Jones. Jacksonville decided the move would cost too much, so it backed out and left the door open for the next candidate," he wrote.

"Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac dropped a hint on the Rich Eisen Show recently, saying the Steelers could make a move that's a 'bigger catch' than free agent Mike Williams, who is set to visit the team this week."

Aiyuk made his first tweet in almost a year directed to Steelers coach Mike Tomlin:

Aiyuk is heading into the final year of his rookie contract and is set to hit free agency next offseason. 

We'll see what ultimately happens with the versatile receiver, though there may be more to his potential departure.