Steelers Could Be Playoff Contender Interested in Brandon Aiyuk

On Sunday night, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported that the Pittsburgh Steelers were interested in making a trade for Indianapolis Colts receiver Josh Downs or Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Brian Thomas Jr. before the deadline on Nov. 10. 

Clearly, the Steelers have identified receiver as a need before the trade deadline. Atop the AFC North with a 6-2 record, the Steelers have every reason to be buyers before the deadline. Earlier this year, Pittsburgh traded Joey Porter Jr. and Broderick Jones to the Dallas Cowboys, giving the team extra capital to make a trade in November.

A third option could emerge as a possibility for the Steelers. On Monday, ESPN's Adam Schefter revealed that San Francisco 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk hired agent Drew Rosenhaus.

The 49ers placed Aiyuk on the reserve/left squad list. San Francisco voided $27 million in guarantees on Aiyuk's contract during the 2025 season amid drama about how the receiver recovered from a knee injury he suffered in 2024. Rosenhaus and Aiyuk would have to file for reinstatement.

In 2024, the Steelers and 49ers had a trade ready to go for Aiyuk, but the receiver wound up signing a four-year, $120 million contract extension with San Francisco instead.

Maybe the two teams could come to the table again before Nov. 10. 

Aiyuk, a first-round pick in 2020, earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2023 when he caught 75 passes for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns. He recorded 25 receptions for 374 yards in 2024 before suffering the knee injury. He missed the entire 2025 season.

During the five seasons he's played in, Aiyuk has recorded 294 receptions for 4,305 yards and 25 touchdowns.

There are obvious concerns about trading for Aiyuk. For one, he hasn't played since 2024 and suffered a significant injury. Second, there are the optics of how he's dealt with the 49ers over the last few seasons.

If Aiyuk is reinstated, the 49ers could try to trade Aiyuk as they have done before. It's possible San Francisco could release the receiver.

The Steelers could wind up getting a talented receiver for a decent price if they decide to go after Aiyuk. However, Pittsburgh would have to weigh the risk of potentially adding some drama.

The Steelers are all-in on winning a Super Bowl in Aaron Rodgers' final season in the league. That could mean taking a risk on Aiyuk if they can't make a deal for another receiver.