DK Metcalf Joins The 49ers In Blockbuster 3-Team Trade Proposal Involving The Jets
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
The Pittsburgh Steelers landed one of the NFL’s biggest names when they traded for DK Metcalf last offseason. Now, a new trade idea has started fresh talk about whether he could leave Pittsburgh.
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report recently suggested a three-team trade involving the Steelers, the San Francisco 49ers, and the New York Jets. In the proposal, Metcalf would go to San Francisco, while Pittsburgh would receive wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and a third-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.
The proposed deal would also send quarterback Mac Jones from the 49ers to the Jets. San Francisco would add Metcalf to give quarterback Brock Purdy another top receiving option.
The idea comes less than a year after the Steelers traded for Metcalf. He is still an important part of Pittsburgh’s offense, but rumors about his future have continued throughout the offseason.
“The 49ers have been practically begging teams to take Aiyuk off their hands,” Knox wrote.
Knox said Pittsburgh’s addition of Michael Pittman Jr. and its selection of Germie Bernard in the draft have led some analysts to wonder if the team could make another move. Some offseason predictions have even listed Metcalf as a possible trade candidate.
Aiyuk Finally Linked Back To Pittsburgh
The proposed trade would also bring Aiyuk to Pittsburgh, a player the Steelers tried to sign before he agreed to a long-term deal with the San Francisco 49ers last year.
Knox believes the trade could make sense if San Francisco decides it no longer needs quarterback Mac Jones. According to Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle, the 49ers could trade Jones if rookie quarterback Kurtis Rourke proves during training camp that he is ready to back up Brock Purdy.
The New York Jets could then take a chance on Jones as they continue looking for a reliable quarterback.
For Pittsburgh, though, the trade would not be an easy decision.
The Steelers brought in Metcalf to give Aaron Rodgers another top receiver. Right now, Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr., and Germie Bernard give the team one of its strongest receiving groups in recent years.
Aiyuk also comes with some uncertainty. The 28-year-old missed the entire 2025 season because of an injury. That has led to reports that the 49ers may be willing to move him.
There are also questions about how he would fit in the locker room. During a recent appearance on Pardon My Take, 49ers tight end George Kittle hinted that Aiyuk brings extra attention off the field.
“But you guys have fun with that, I guess… You have fun with all that comes with it,” Kittle said.
The Steelers are trying to build a strong team culture under head coach Mike McCarthy. With Rodgers expected to be entering what could be his final NFL season, Pittsburgh may not want to make another big change at wide receiver.
For now, Knox’s proposal remains only a hypothetical.
