NFL Rumors: George Pickens Eyed for WR1 Contract by Steelers amid Aiyuk Trade Buzz

The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly eyeing a new contract for one of their receivers amid trade buzz surrounding San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.

Per the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac, even if the Steelers trade for Aiyuk and give him an extension, they will still give George Pickens a No. 1 receiver contract.

"If the 49ers agree to a trade, the Steelers will finalize a new multi-year contract for Aiyuk," Dulac wrote. "But, no matter the amount, it will not affect what the Steelers do when Pickens becomes a free agent after the 2025 season, according to team sources. The Steelers consider Pickens their No. 1 receiver and intend to pay him accordingly."

Pickens and the Steelers could negotiate an extension prior to the 2025 season or wait until he becomes a free agent following that season to try to strike a deal.

Pickens is coming off an outstanding second year in the league in which he recorded 1,140 receiving yards and five touchdowns on 63 receptions. That tremendous second season indicates that he's on his way to being a top receiver in the NFL, and Pittsburgh intends to pay him like one.

A trade for Aiyuk is far from finalized, but the Steelers are likely the team to watch for should the 49ers move their star receiver. San Francisco wants to hold on to Aiyuk, though it "has agreed to parameters of a trade" with Pittsburgh if it cannot come to an agreement with Aiyuk about his contract, per ESPN.

The 49ers and Aiyuk have reportedly gone back and forth on contract talks all offseason, but have recently restarted negotiations for a new deal. NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported earlier this week that the two sides "aren't that far apart" regarding an extension.

Aiyuk is coming off the best season of his career, picking up 1,342 receiving yards and seven touchdowns and helping lead the 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance. While the star would certainly help the Steelers get closer to being a championship contender in a new era with Russell Wilson under center, it remains to be seen if he'll be playing in Pittsburgh this year.