Context:

The San Francisco 49ers are considering trading wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk to free up salary cap space for quarterback Brock Purdy's impending contract extension. General Manager John Lynch has already made significant roster changes, including parting ways with key players like Deebo Samuel, to manage the team's finances. The Pittsburgh Steelers have shown interest in acquiring Aiyuk, especially after losing George Pickens, and a hypothetical trade could involve the Steelers offering a third-round draft pick. Aiyuk, who recently signed a four-year, $120 million contract, is recovering from an ACL injury, making his contract less favorable for the 49ers. The potential trade reflects the 49ers' strategy to rejuvenate their offense with younger talent, indicating a shift towards a new era for the team.

Dive Deeper:

• The San Francisco 49ers face a financial challenge as they prepare to offer quarterback Brock Purdy a lucrative new contract, necessitating roster adjustments to stay within budget.

• Brandon Aiyuk, a key wide receiver, is reportedly a trade target due to his significant contract and recent ACL injury, which has made him a less attractive financial asset for the team.

• General Manager John Lynch has already released notable players like Deebo Samuel to manage the salary cap, and Aiyuk could be the next to be traded to create space for Purdy's contract.

• The Pittsburgh Steelers, who need a wide receiver after losing George Pickens, have expressed interest in Aiyuk, potentially offering a third-round draft pick in exchange.

• Aiyuk's four-year, $120 million contract, signed after a lengthy holdout, now poses a financial burden for the 49ers as they prioritize younger talent like Ricky Pearsall and Jordan Watkins.

• The proposed trade with the Steelers would benefit both teams: the 49ers would gain cap space, and the Steelers would acquire a skilled wide receiver to bolster their offense.

• This potential trade marks the beginning of a transition period for the 49ers as they aim to rebuild their roster with younger, more financially viable players.

• 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 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp

• 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:

• • Brandon Aiyuk
  MORE: George Pickens trade has $100 million contract extension question 

• 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.