49ers might have one landing spot for Brandon Aiyuk, and it would shock most

Jul 24, 2025; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk works out with his teammates during the second day of training camp. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images

The San Francisco 49ers just need to move on from Brandon Aiyuk, no matter how it happens. The tough and unfortunate part for the 49ers is that they don't have any leverage in this situation. Aiyuk acted immaturely and then got what he wanted with his contract, and the 49ers are now paying the price, literally, for it.

While most teams aren't going to give the 49ers anything they want for Aiyuk, there could be others that are willing to pay the price, at least more than the 49ers expect to get right now. 

One of those teams would be the Pittsburgh Steelers, who seemingly have to go all in to ensure they have a chance to win this year with Aaron Rodgers being in his final season.

“Trade for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Do the Steelers have an acute need at the position as they did two summers ago? Not at all. Has Aiyuk demonstrated very clearly that signing him to that contract was a mistake by the 49ers? Absolutely. But hey, maybe he can find some lost magic,” Alan Saunders wrote.

I don't mind the idea of bringing in Aiyuk if I were the Steelers, and from the 49ers' perspective, just getting rid of him would be the best outcome. However, I'd find it hard to believe the Steelers would go after him, considering they moved on from George Pickens for his attitude, which doesn't really seem to compare well with Aiyuk.

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