The Pittsburgh Steelers were entangled in various trade talks throughout the 2024 offseason, particularly focused on acquiring a wide receiver. The primary team they were rumored to be negotiating with was the San Francisco 49ers, known for having a talented wide receiver room. With Brandon Aiyuk expected to command a substantial salary, financial constraints became a key factor.
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49ers wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel celebrate during a game.
Despite the 49ers' clear intention to retain their wide receiving corps, numerous reports and rumors suggested that the Steelers and General Manager Omar Khan were making significant efforts to secure a trade for either Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel. However, they have not yet succeeded in acquiring a high-profile receiver, though some Steelers fans remain hopeful.
Former NFL GM and current analyst Michael Lombardi revealed on his podcast, The GM Shuffle, that during the draft, the Steelers believed they had finalized a trade with the 49ers. Unfortunately, the deal fell through at the last moment.
"There was talk that at the draft that Pittsburgh thought they had made a trade. Whether it was for Deebo or whether it was for Aiyuk, I don't know. But then things kind of fell apart late."
A major topic of discussion revolves around the 49ers' plans for their wide receivers. While the team has expressed a clear intention to keep their wide receiver group intact, it doesn't necessarily mean that Aiyuk is content or that he wouldn't request a trade. When asked about the likelihood of Samuel and Aiyuk remaining with the 49ers at the start of the 2024 season, Lombardi shared his insights.
"I would say pretty high this year… they want both their players on the team unless they get a really good offer.”
If the 49ers received an exceptional offer, they might consider a trade, though it's not their current intention. Reports indicate that the Steelers have been actively pursuing a deal with the 49ers. This shows that Khan and the organization are being aggressive in their efforts to add another playmaker to the Steelers' offense.
The Steelers could greatly benefit from a solid wide receiver to pair with the talented George Pickens. Currently, their wide receiver room doesn't pose a significant threat to opposing secondaries, making it easy for defenses to double-team Pickens. This situation causes major issues for the Steelers' offense and explains why many pundits believe the Steelers have been striving to make a trade.
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Steelers' George Pickens secures a 41-yard touchdown and the winning score against the Baltimore Ravens.
Reports still suggest that the Steelers might do business with the 49ers, but it seems unlikely that the 49ers will trade any of their wide receivers before the season starts. They recently re-signed Jauan Jennings and drafted Ricky Pearsall, likely as insurance in case Aiyuk tries to force his way out of San Francisco.
Steelers Did Get Some Help At Wide Receiver
For now, the Steelers are proceeding as if their wide receiver room is complete. They have hungry receivers eager to prove their worth in Pittsburgh during the 2024 season.
They've added depth pieces like Quez Watkins, Van Jefferson, and Scotty Miller, and they also have tight end Pat Freiermuth, who is expected to play a significant role in their receiving corps. The Steelers will need at least one of these wide receivers to step up and exceed expectations to help boost their offense this season.
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Steelers' Quez Watkins catches a football during OTAs.
The Steelers' outlook for the 2024 season is highly promising, especially if they manage to trade for a wide receiver. However, even without a trade, the team has shown significant improvement and remains a formidable contender. Steelers fans are eagerly anticipating how the new additions will integrate into the team and contribute to their success.
With the added depth and talent, the 2024 season holds much potential. The Steelers have not won a playoff game since the 2016 season. They are eager to end that drought in 2024. It is fascinating to know that the Steelers were allegedly super close to pulling off a big trade during the draft. No one knows why that trade fell through but Lombardi was pretty confident it was close.
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