Steelers' Trade Target Brandon Aiyuk's Current Offer From The 49ers Is "Not Justin Jefferson Money, Nor Should It Be"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a strong 2024 offseason thus far. General Manager Omar Khan signed All-Pro linebacker Patrick Queen, along with DeShon Elliott, and traded for cornerback Donte Jackson to bolster the defense. Khan also completely revamped the offense, bringing in Justin Fields and Russell Wilson at quarterback and offensive line help with the Steelers' top two draft picks. Even with the new additions made however, there seems to be one missing piece on the offensive side of the ball: a wide receiver that can complement George Pickens. Fans have been clamoring for a Brandon Aiyuk trade all offseason.

There's no doubt that Aiyuk would be an incredible addition to the Steelers, but his situation is pretty complex. Aiyuk was an All-Pro last season on a San Francisco 49ers team that reached the Super Bowl. He wants a new contract that will pay him amongst the best wide receivers in the NFL, but he plays in a crowded offense that is already paying Deebo Samuel, Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle some pretty handsome contracts. Not only would the Steelers have to give Aiyuk a new contract, but the 49ers aren't going to let Aiyuk go this offseason without receiving something of value to them via trade, which could cost the Steelers a 2025 first round pick and potentially more.

Mike Silver joined the Papa & Lund Podcast to discuss Aiyuk's current status with the 49ers. 

"I'm hearing maybe their offer is in the $26 million range... Certainly isn't Justin Jefferson money, nor should it be... It's closer to Devonta Smith, Amon-Ra St. Brown... that next tier down."

Right now, the Steelers' available cap space is sitting in the $16 million range. While that doesn't make it impossible to make an Aiyuk trade and extension, there would be a lot of moving parts. With the current offer sitting at $26 million, that means Aiyuk probably wants closer to $30 million annually, which would pay him top 5 wide receiver money. Aiyuk is a very good player, but that's a lot to give up when you consider trading away picks to get him and looking into restructuring and/or making cuts to free up cap space. The price of winning clearly isn't cheap.

Aiyuk is coming off of back to back 1,000+ yard seasons after he put up 75 catches for 1,342 yards and 7 touchdowns in 2023. The Steelers are looking for a wide receiver two behind Pickens, but if they get Aiyuk, he might be their new wide receiver one.

The 49ers drafted wide receiver Ricky Pearsall in the first round in the 2024 NFL Draft, which makes it look like either Aiyuk or Samuel are on their way out. Both are extremely talented players that would make a major impact on the Steelers' offense if Khan is able to land one of the two San Francisco receivers via trade.

After reaching the Super Bowl last season, it's not out of the equation that Aiyuk and the 49ers don't come to terms on an extension, but Aiyuk remains a 49er for the 2024 season. Some would consider this a "Super Bowl window" for San Francisco and trading away Aiyuk by no means makes their team better for the 2024 season.

Steelers Could Turn Their Attention To Acquiring Deebo Samuel

There's only one ball on the field and San Francisco has a plethora of playmakers. It's hard to believe that the 49ers signed Jauan Jennings to an extension and used their first round pick on Pearsall this offseason just to lock up their 3rd and 4th wide receivers. Whether it's this offseason or next offseason, more than likely either Aiyuk or Samuel will find a new home and Steelers fans just have to hope Khan pulls the trigger.

Do you think Omar Khan would be willing to give Aiyuk an extension north of $26 million per season? Let us know in the comments below!

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