Brandon Aiyuk Posts Cryptic Message to Steelers’ Mike Tomlin Amid Reported Trade Interest

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk’s first tweet of 2024 might have something to do with a potential trade destination.

NFL fan sleuths are frantically trying to decipher the meaning of Aiyuk’s cryptic tweet on Tuesday in which he tagged Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin in response to a viral joke. 

After photos comparing Aiyuk’s and Tomlin’s physical similarities made the rounds on the internet, the 49ers wideout himself gave his thoughts on the matter.

Aiyuk tweeted, “@CoachTomlin they saying we twins. What you think?”

@CoachTomlin they saying we twins. What you think ? ????

— BA (@THE2ERA) March 19, 2024

It marked the first time Aiyuk has posted on Twitter since April 2023.

Hours earlier, 93.7 The Fan’s Andrew Fillipponi said the Steelers have “looked into” a potential trade for the 26-year-old, making the timing of Aiyuk’s recent tweet doubly suspicious.

Aiyuk’s NFL future has served as a hotbed for rumors this offseason, particularly after San Francisco’s Super Bowl LVIII loss to the Kansas City Chiefs when Aiyuk visibly teared up while speaking with reporters.

Aiyuk was selected by the 49ers with the No. 25 pick in the 2020 NFL draft and is entering the final year of his rookie deal. San Francisco picked up his fifth-year option last April, which will pay Aiyuk $14.1 million in 2024. The All-Pro wideout is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and averaged a career-high 17.9 yards per catch last year while leading the team in targets (105).

• Orr: Steelers’ Quarterback Moves Finally Come Into Focus

In March alone, the Steelers have already made colossal moves to acquire quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields and are also reportedly interested in free agent wide receiver Mike Williams, who is set to visit the team this week.