While both are under contract with their respective teams, expect to continue hearing these names (and probably a few more down the road) linked to the 49ers, who are in dire need of a true No. 1 receiver. Of course, nothing can happen as far as a trade until the start of the new league year on March 13 and nothing may even happen, assuming a move is made, until June.
Still, it creates some fun offseason discussion. That's exactly what happened when Jerry Rice joined 95.7 The Game on Wednesday, as he does each week, to discuss the possibility of adding a player like Brown, who Rice says he has spoken with several times.
"There's a lot going on with the Pittsburgh Steelers right now," Rice said on the "Joe, Lo, and Dibs" show. "Maybe it has to do with [Ben Roethlisberge], (head coach) Mike Tomlin, but right now, there's something that's going on in that locker room.
"Antonio Brown is an exceptional receiver. We saw what Khalil Mack, what he did for the Chicago Bears. You've got George Kittle already. You bring in a player like Antonio Brown or [Odell Beckham Jr.] and it can take that offense to a whole different level.
"I know for one thing with Antonio Brown, he's the complete player. He's going to bring everything to the football field. He's a team player, and he's going to go out, and he's going to work his butt off. Right now, there is something happening in Pittsburgh, but I think he would be a great addition to the San Francisco 49ers."
Rice believes a No. 1 receiver, not an edge rusher, is the team's biggest need heading into the offseason.
"With George Kittle and what he's doing on the football field, if you have someone on that opposite side that's a threat too, it can open up that offense for [Jimmy Garoppolo] and also that running game," Rice said.
You can listen to the entire conversation with Rice below.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Donte Whitner believes 49ers' signing of Ashtyn Davis is a threat to Ji'Ayir Brown's starting role
When the San Francisco 49ers signed veteran safety Ashtyn Davis last week, the move didn't create the same buzz as some of the team's bigger offseason additions. But one former 49ers defensive player believes the signing could have a much bigger impact than many expect,... -
Analyst: 49ers a team to watch out for in the NFC
Former NFL linebacker and current NFL Network analyst Manti Te'o delivered a warning to the rest of the league this week: don't overlook the San Francisco 49ers in 2026. While the 49ers aren't widely viewed as favorites to win the NFC West, Te'o believes they remain one of the... -
Stop running from the belt: 49ers' Brandon Aiyuk continues to keep drama alive on social media
Brandon Aiyuk isn't doing much to quiet the rumors surrounding his future—or his sanity. He's seemingly doing everything he can to keep the drama alive, and it is a story that won't go away. And though he isn't spelling it out, Aiyuk appears to be sending the 49ers a... -
49ers among the Super Bowl LXI favorites, per ESPN's Football Power Index
The San Francisco 49ers are coming off a good season amidst a bounty of injuries, and ESPN's latest Football Power Index suggests they remain firmly in the Super Bowl conversation. This is despite some key players such as Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, George Kittle, and Mykel...