Ex-Steelers OL Proposes Blockbuster Trade

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk sparked speculation on Tuesday when he sent a message to Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin on X, stating “@CoachTomlin they saying we twins. What you think?”

The Steelers are in dire need of a wide receiver, and Aiyuk certainly would be a fit. But the draft capital to acquire Aiyuk is expected to be astronomical. According to Jacksonville reporter Mia O’Brien, the 49ers wanted the Jaguars’ No. 17 overall pick and wide receiver Zay Jones. The Jaguars would also have to pay Aiyuk his $14.124 million that he’s owed by San Francisco in 2024, as well. Jacksonville thought that trade package was unreasonable and scrapped the deal.

On his podcast Monday, former Steelers guard Ramon Foster threw out the idea of Steelers left tackle Dan Moore Jr. being shipped off to San Francisco in a trade package for Aiyuk.

“Dan [Moore Jr.] can be used as draft capital. He could be sent over in a package if you looking at San Francisco. How much longer can Trent Williams go? He’s a left tackle with that style of offense, getting the ball in and out as quick as they do,” Foster said. “Dan’s a big athlete. I’m petitioning for a dude to go to another team and I like Dan, but it makes sense. If you’re telling me, ‘We’ll send you a four and Dan Moore.’ If he doesn’t want to play right, you send him to a team that has an expiring left tackle.”

Williams turns 36 in July, but he has shown no signs of slowing down. He’s been named first-team All-Pro in the last three seasons. I also don’t think 49ers general manager John Lynch would be intrigued by Moore, as he was one of the worst pass-blocking offensive tackles in the league last year, according to Pro Football Focus. It would be a massive drop off for San Francisco.

Nevertheless, the Steelers would have to send a top-tier player and a high draft pick for a talent like Aiyuk. What the 49ers reportedly wanted from Jacksonville suggests that Dan Moore Jr. wouldn’t cut it in a package deal. The 49ers are also fine at left tackle as of right now. Williams still has two more years left on his deal and is playing at an extremely high level.