The Pittsburgh Steelers have been linked to many wide receivers this offseason following their decision to trade away Diontae Johnson, with Brandon Aiyuk being the most frequently mentioned name.
Niners Wire / USA Today
San Francisco 49ers Brandon Aiyuk makes diving catch for a score in a game against the Eagles.
Aiyuk has stirred considerable excitement among Steelers fans. Numerous reports have suggested that the Steelers were working hard to strike a deal with the San Francisco 49ers for Aiyuk, but so far, nothing has materialized. The primary concern is that Aiyuk would demand one of the highest salaries in the league for his position. Additionally, the Steelers would need to give up significant assets to acquire him.
Background: The #49ers had multiple teams interested in trading for Brandon Aiyuk before the draft, including the #Jaguars, but they never received an offer that blew them away.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) June 17, 2024
After the draft, they shifted their focus to negotiating an extension. The booming wide receiver… https://t.co/1h0YrmDmzk
The 49ers have yet to secure a new deal with Aiyuk. Recently, a video leaked on social media showing Aiyuk sharing surprising news with his former college teammate Jayden Daniels during a FaceTime call.
“They said they don’t want me back. I swear.”
The prospect of the Steelers completing a trade for Aiyuk is thrilling. It would transform their wide receiver corps from one of the weakest to one of the best in the league. A duo of George Pickens and Aiyuk would strike fear into opposing defenses and make the Steelers a formidable and balanced team.
AP
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk catches a football in a game in Pittsburgh.
To secure Aiyuk, the Steelers would need to offer a substantial contract, potentially in the $25-$30 million range. Although this cost is significant, it is justified if it elevates the Steelers into Super Bowl contention. Acquiring Aiyuk would not only improve their odds of winning the Super Bowl, but also mark one of the greatest offseasons in the organization's history.
The Steelers have had an impressive offseason, with upgrades at virtually every position except the wide receiver room. Even the special teams unit has improved with new playmakers. Adding someone like Aiyuk to their wide receiver corps would make the Steelers much more formidable and intimidating to opposing teams as they head into the 2024 season.
Steelers Trade For Brandon Aiyuk Still Very Possible
While the 49ers' hesitation to re-sign Aiyuk is a positive sign, it doesn't guarantee that the Steelers will land him. Many teams are interested, but this situation keeps the door wide open for a potential trade for Aiyuk. The Aiyuk sweepstakes continues to get more interesting.
Joe Sargent / Getty Images
49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk makes a touchdown catch over former Steelers cornerback Patrick Peterson.
Aiyuk was speaking to his former college teammate Daniels, who was drafted by the Washington Commanders. While it's unclear if the Commanders have interest in Aiyuk, they would likely be enthusiastic about reuniting Daniels with Aiyuk. Aiyuk has been in close contact with Daniels all offseason throughout his situation. He told him before the draft that there was going to be fireworks.
Aiyuk is one of the top wide receivers in the league, having played in one of the NFL's best offenses with the 49ers. His role in Pittsburgh would be different, but with new Offensive Coordinator, Arthur Smith, it would be exciting to see how Smith would feature both Pickens and Aiyuk. Steelers fans are hopeful for a trade, and it will be fascinating to see where Aiyuk ends up taking his snaps in 2024.
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