The Pittsburgh Steelers have bene linked to Brandon Aiyuk all throughout the offseason. The star receiver for the San Francisco 49ers is unhappy with the team and is most likely being shopped around. While the Steelers have been rumored to be in trade talks for him, they are not the only team with some level of interest. The main question for all parties involved is the leverage that they all have. Can the 49ers get their desired package in a trade, or will they be forced to give in to the Steelers' desires, or someone else's?
Kelley L Cox / USA Today
John Lynch has stated his wish to retain Brandon Aiyuk, even if he is not able to keep him.
While appearing on the This Is Football podcast with Kevin Clark, Jeremy Fowler talked about the current state of the Aiyuk sweepstakes. There are questions about the contract that a team may have to give to be able to trade for him, but those questions may be answered.
"They had some trade opportunities around the draft, and I think there are other teams that are willing to pay him what he wants. I do believe that. Maybe not for a first-round pick in a trade, but I think they would do it under certain circumstances."
While the Steelers have enough cap space and flexibility to get a trade and a deal done, it's not always that easy. John Lynch is most likely fielding calls from many teams across the league in an attempt to get the best value possible for an unhappy star player. While the Steelers have seemingly been the frontrunners to land Aiyuk, they are not the only ones that could acquire him before Week 1.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan picks up the phone in the team's war room during the 2023 NFL Draft weekend.
Steelers Need To Be Careful With Trade Talks
In certain cases, multiple teams trying to trade for one player could lead to a bidding war. That could manufacture a lot of leverage for the 49ers and make them demand a bigger package in exchange for Aiyuk. The Steelers may not be willing to part with a first-round pick, but if enough teams buy in to the bidding war, that may be the only way the Steelers could trade for him.
While Fowler did not list any teams that are interested, there are some good ideas of who else would try to trade for Aiyuk. Considering the fact that he called Jayden Daniels to talk about how the 49ers don't want him anymore, the Washington Commanders may look to trade for him and pair him up with Terry McLaurin.
There are other teams that could use some reinforcements to aid their young quarterbacks, like the New England Patriots or Indianapolis Colts. There are potential options all over the league that the Steelers will have to fight for. Even if they can't match some of these teams in trade packages for Aiyuk, it won't be the worst-case scenario.
Associated Presss
Steelers George Pickens turns Mason Rudolph pass into 86-yard touchdown pass.
While the Steelers don't have the elite receiving core that they normally do, they still have talent in their receiving core. George Pickens is still a freak athlete that could break out as the team's top receiver. They also got an absolute steal in the draft with Roman Wilson. The Steelers could still use an upgrade, but it's not an absolute need.
The Steelers would most likely rather save their first-round pick on a need for next offseason, like some defensive line upgrades. They don't have to break the bank just to trade for an unhappy receiver and give him a nine-figure contract. If the price is right, then the Steelers will go out and get him. If not, they will be fine. They always find a way to make it through the season.
What do you think about the potential competition that the Steelers may have to face if they want to trade for Aiyuk? Can they win the bidding war without giving up too much? Let us know in the comments.
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