A proposed three-team trade has linked the Pittsburgh Steelers and San Francisco 49ers in a blockbuster offseason scenario. The hypothetical deal would see the Steelers move on from a $150 million star while acquiring an All-Pro receiver from San Francisco, with the New York Jets also involved. The idea, floated by Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox, is not based on active trade talks but highlights how both teams could address roster needs before training camp. The Pittsburgh Steelers could be involved in one of the biggest trade scenarios of the offseason, with a proposed three-team deal sending $150 million wide receiver DK Metcalf to the San Francisco 49ers while bringing Brandon Aiyuk to Pittsburgh. The hypothetical trade, floated by Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox, also includes the New York Jets and draft compensation as training camp approaches. CategoryDetailsPlayerBrandon AiyukCurrent TeamSan Francisco 49ersRumored TeamPittsburgh SteelersContract StatusUnder contract with the 49ersSalary Cap HitSignificant long-term commitment following extensionTrade LikelihoodModerate (proposal, not active negotiations)Latest Insider UpdateBleacher Report proposed a three-team trade involving the JetsPotential ReturnDK Metcalf and draft compensationEdit
Which teams are interested in Brandon Aiyuk?
The Steelers have emerged as a logical landing spot in recent speculation, although no formal talks have been reported. Pittsburgh already added Michael Pittman Jr. this offseason and retained Aaron Rodgers, but the idea of replacing DK Metcalf with Aiyuk has sparked debate.The proposed trade would send Metcalf to San Francisco, while the Steelers would receive Aiyuk along with draft compensation routed through the New York Jets. The Jets’ role would center on acquiring quarterback Mac Jones, making it a complex three-team transaction.Washington has also been mentioned as Aiyuk’s preferred destination because of his connection with former Arizona State teammate Jayden Daniels. Still, Pittsburgh could appeal to the receiver if he prioritizes joining a team expected to compete immediately in the AFC.
What insiders are saying about the trade rumors
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox outlined the proposal last week, writing:
“In this hypothetical trade (Mac Jones to the New York Jets, DK Metcalf to the 49ers, and a Jets’ 2027 third-round pick and Brandon Aiyuk to the Steelers), the Jets enlist the Pittsburgh Steelers’ help to acquire Jones.”
He added:
“Pittsburgh sends wide receiver DK Metcalf to San Francisco while receiving draft compensation from New York and allowing the 49ers to offload Brandon Aiyuk. The 49ers have been practically begging teams to take Aiyuk off their hands.”
Knox also noted that Metcalf has generated speculation despite the absence of concrete trade discussions.
“While there hasn’t been any real trade chatter involving Metcalf, he’s been the subject of speculation ever since the Steelers acquired Michael Pittman Jr. and drafted Germie Bernard. Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton, for example, named Metcalf on his list of cut and trade candidates shortly before April’s draft began.”
Contract details and salary cap implications
Metcalf signed a five-year, $150 million contract, making any trade financially significant for all teams involved. Meanwhile, Aiyuk remains under a lucrative long-term deal in San Francisco after signing an extension, though injuries and a contract dispute have complicated his future.Neither receiver has a reported no-trade clause, meaning a deal is possible if both clubs agree on compensation. The financial commitments would require careful salary cap planning, particularly for the Steelers, who have already invested heavily in veteran talent this offseason.
How the trade could impact both teams
For Pittsburgh, acquiring Aiyuk would provide Rodgers with another polished route runner while reshaping the receiving corps around Pittman and younger playmakers. San Francisco, meanwhile, would replace Aiyuk with Metcalf, adding a proven deep threat to its offense.At this stage, the proposal remains speculative rather than an active negotiation. Still, with training camp nearing and the 49ers continuing to face questions about Aiyuk’s future, this is a scenario worth watching over the coming weeks.