The San Francisco 49ers’ turbulent relationship with wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk took another twist after a new report from The San Francisco Standard’s David Lombardi revealed the team targeted George Pickens during trade talks with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2024 offseason.
Pittsburgh aggressively pursued Aiyuk at the time, but according to Lombardi, they refused to make Pickens available.
The timing complicated matters even further, as Aiyuk’s contract was finalized long before the Steelers eventually moved Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys in May 2025 for a future third-round pick.
49ers wanted Pickens in return for Brandon Aiyuk during those 2024 trade discussions with Pittsburgh. Unfortunately for SF, Steelers weren't willing to move Pickens until May 2025 when they made the deal with Dallas. By that point the ink on Aiyuk's deal had already dried https://t.co/b1rxEU7sK6
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) December 4, 2025
Pickens has since erupted into a top-five statistical receiver with Dallas, validating why Pittsburgh held onto him. The 24-year-old is in the final season of his rookie deal and has delivered 73 catches for 1,142 yards and eight touchdowns through 12 games in 2025.
Meanwhile, Aiyuk signed a four-year, $120 million extension with the 49ers after the failed trade talks, but the relationship has deteriorated since.
With guarantees now voided from his contract and his production dipping (23 catches for 351 yards in seven games last season), San Francisco and Aiyuk appear headed for a split after 2025.
Steve Young believes Brandon Aiyuk has played his last snap with the 49ers:
— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) December 3, 2025
“I feel like it’s up to Brandon and it feels like he’s decided that it’s broken and he’s moved on… I might be wrong that it’s Brandon’s choice, but I gotta believe that with his talent and what he gave… pic.twitter.com/31nHaThDGO
Given the Steelers’ previous pursuit and their long-term need at receiver after dealing Pickens, Lombardi suggests Pittsburgh could circle back for Aiyuk in the upcoming offseason.
Photo Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
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