49ers Legend Jerry Rice Makes Cryptic Brandon Aiyuk Post amid NFL Trade Rumors

Legendary San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jerry Rice suggested Tuesday night that a decision regarding Brandon Aiyuk's status could be made Wednesday.

Rice posted a photo of Aiyuk on Instagram and included the caption: "I guess we will all find out tomorrow GOATS! Will he stay or leave!"

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Trade rumors involving Aiyuk have dominated the NFL news cycle for over a week, and it looks as though there are now two potential outcomes.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport (h/t NFL.com's Eric Edholm) reported Tuesday that the 49ers and Pittsburgh Steelers agreed to the framework of a trade involving Aiyuk, but the Niners have made Aiyuk a contract offer as well and are awaiting his decision.

Aiyuk, 26, is set to enter the final year of his rookie contract in 2024, but he has made his desire for a new deal abundantly clear.

He requested a trade due to a lack of movement in contract talks with the 49ers, but it sounds as though they are making a last-ditch effort to retain him.

Aiyuk enjoyed a career year in 2023, setting a new career high with 1,342 receiving yards to go along with seven touchdowns on 75 receptions for a Niners team that went all the way to the Super Bowl.

He led the 49ers in all three major receiving categories, establishing himself as quarterback Brock Purdy's favorite target over wide receiver Deebo Samuel and tight end George Kittle.

The 49ers have seemingly prepared for life after Aiyuk, as they selected wide receiver Ricky Pearsall late in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft, but trading Aiyuk away would strike a major blow to their group of offensive weapons.

As for the Steelers, they completely overhauled their quarterback room in the offseason, parting ways with Kenny Pickett, Mason Rudolph and Mitchell Trubisky, and bringing in Russell Wilson and Justin Fields.

Pittsburgh has one dynamic wide receiver in the fold in George Pickens, but after trading Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers, it clearly needs a wideout to complement Pickens.

Aiyuk would likely be the perfect fit, and if he gets traded, every indication is that he will be going to the Steelers.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported as much on Saturday, suggesting that the Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots were out of the running despite prior interest.

The Steelers play in a stacked division in the AFC North, as they were one of three teams in the division to reach the playoffs last season.

Most are picking them to finish last in 2024 behind the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns, but Aiyuk is the type of addition that could help shift the balance of power.