Dynasty Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Rankings: Values of Brandon Aiyuk, George Pickens hang in the balance

As Brandon Aiyuk rumors continue to swirl, it's worth considering what a trade might do to his Dynasty value. If we were just looking at it in a vacuum, you might think that Aiyuk's value could get a boost. The 49ers are a run-heavy team with several elite weapons. Aiyuk could see more target share in a higher volume offense. The problem with that line of thinking is that it's likely anywhere he goes will be a less efficient pass offense because almost every offense in the league is less efficient than Kyle Shanahan's 49ers. The other problem is that Aiyuk isn't being traded into a vacuum.

It sure sounds like Aiyuk wants to be a Pittsburgh Steelers , though the Commanders , Browns , and Patriots have all seen their name attached to rumors over the past few weeks. None of those would be confused with elite pass offenses, and the Steelers figure to be just as run-heavy as the 49ers with Arthur Smith taking over. I polled my followers earlier this week and 48.5% said Aiyuk's Dynasty value would go down if he was a Steeler, while only 21% said his value would increase. While that's not exactly scientific, I do think it tells you what direction the wind may blow, at least initially.

The other side of the Steelers' situation is the value of George Pickens . If he's not a part of the trade to acquire Aiyuk, his value could plummet if a deal is reached. Pickens has been one of my favorite Dynasty buys this offseason, and I legitimately think he could be a top-12 Dynasty wide receiver in a couple of months. But I have lowered him a few spots based on these rumors. That being said, he's still in my top 20, so I'm buying the dip if the Pickens manager is nervous. Throw a 2025 second out there and see what they say.

In San Francisco, there is nothing but upside. Deebo Samuel could soar back into the top 20 Dynasty wide receivers if Aiyuk is dealt. Ricky Pearsall would no longer be one of my least favorite rookie wide receivers, even though he is about to turn 24 years old. George Kittle would be "the" win-now tight end for contenders to buy. Only Brock Purdy would suffer, and he still has enough weapons to be a borderline top-12 QB.

Finally, remember we're mostly still dealing with rumors and rumors of rumors here. Aiyuk is still a 49er and there's no reason to act like a deal is done until a deal is done. I'll update this piece, and my rankings, if it happens.

Here are my updated Dynasty wide receiver rankings: