49ers' Brandon Aiyuk Posts Message to Steelers' Mike Tomlin amid NFL Trade Rumors

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk chose an interesting way to end his posting blackout on X.

Aiyuk tagged Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin in a message on the social media platform amid questions about his long-term future in the Bay Area.

Andrew Fillipponi of 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh reported Tuesday that the Steelers "have looked into" a potential trade for the 26-year-old.

The general uncertainty stems from the fact that Aiyuk is only under contract with the Niners for one more season.

"Aiyuk's situation looms the largest over this 49ers offseason, and if they can't find a way to a contract extension, the talented wideout could theoretically ask to be traded to a team that's willing and able to pay him," ESPN's Dan Graziano wrote in February.

Aiyuk has said he's open to staying in San Francisco, and general manager John Lynch was more declarative in wanting him to stick around. However, the absence of a long-term agreement suggests that achieving a resolution isn't so straightforward.

Spotrac values the 2020 first-round pick at $24 million annually, a number that may not reflect what he can earn in light of recent events.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday that Jerry Jeudy and the Cleveland Browns agreed to a three-year extension worth as much as $58 million, including $41 million guaranteed. Even if the base figure is slightly below that, Jeudy's contract is bound to be cited by wideouts such as Aiyuk who have a much better on-field resume.

The Steelers could certainly use Aiyuk after trading Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers. The tandem of he and George Pickens would have the potential to be one of the best in the AFC.

The cost of acquiring Aiyuk probably just went up when factoring in how much he'd be looking to get on his next contract, though. That may give Steelers general manager Omar Khan further pause on pursuing a deal with San Francisco.