This blockbuster trade idea sends D.K. Metcalf from the Pittsburgh Steelers to the San Francisco 49ers.
A three-team NFL trade idea sending D.K. Metcalf from the Pittsburgh Steelers to the San Francisco 49ers has been created by Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report.
Here is the mock trade:
New York Jets Get: QB Mac Jones
49ers Get: WR DK Metcalf
Steelers Get: Jets' 2027 3rd-round pick, WR Brandon Aiyuk
Metcalf has no guaranteed money remaining on his contract, while Aiyuk doesn't want to play for the 49ers anymore.
Perhaps the 49ers and Steelers can help each other out. San Francisco can trade for Metcalf and give him a new contract, while Pittsburgh trades for Aiyuk and frees the WR from despair.
Metcalf had 59 receptions last season for 850 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns in his first year with the Steelers. The 850 receiving yards were a career low for the two-time Pro Bowler.
The last time we saw Aiyuk on the field was during the 2024 season. He had 25 catches for 374 receiving yards before suffering a serious right knee injury.
"The 49ers have been practically begging teams to take Aiyuk off their hands," Knox wrote. "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."
Metcalf has played for the Seattle Seahawks and Steelers. He enters next season with 7,174 receiving yards and 54 receiving touchdowns in his career.
Meanwhile, Aiyuk has 4,305 receiving yards and 25 receiving touchdowns in his career. He's only played for the 49ers, but that will change soon.
The Steelers won the AFC North last season but lost to the Houston Texans at home in the wild-card round of the 2026 playoffs. Mike Tomlin stepped down as head coach after the Texans game and was replaced by former Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy.
Future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers is back for one more NFL season. Rodgers will retire after the 2026 campaign.
One of the best QBs of all time, Rodgers put up 3,322 passing yards, 24 passing touchdowns and seven interceptions last season. The four-time MVP completed 65.7% of his passes.
McCarthy and Rodgers won Super Bowl XLV against the Steelers as members of the Packers. It will be fascinating to see how Pittsburgh performs in 2026.
As for this trade idea from Knox, the odds of it happening are pretty low. The Steelers seem committed to running it back with Metcalf.
Steelers Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Steelers. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.
