Steelers Fans May Have False Hope In 49ers' Brandon Aiyuk: "[They] Really Don't Go Outside The Organization To Fill That Position"

The Pittsburgh Steelers made many upgrades this offseason, particularly to their offense. With new Offensive Coordinator, Arthur Smith, and quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields set to compete, they revamped from the top down. Wide receiver Diontae Johnson's trade to the Carolina Panthers had most agreeing that the final piece was to bring in another solid wide receiver to partner with George Pickens. 

Since the Johnson trade, many names have been mentioned, especially Brandon Aiyuk. That is largely due to the fact that Aiyuk's future with the San Francisco 49ers is far from certain. Aiyuk has openly expressed his frustration and displeasure with the way negotiations are going for a new contract.

Since Aiyuk and the 49ers haven't inked a deal yet, it feels like the door is still open to swoop in and pick up one of the top receivers of 2023. In a recent article in Sports Illustrated, sports reporter Albert Breer answers several questions from fans about Aiyuk. One of those questions was whether the Steelers are still in the race for Aiyuk and whether bringing him on board might change this still-developing offense, particularly if Fields ends up under center instead of Wilson. 

"We've been through this," points out Breer. "The Pittsburgh Steelers really don't go outside the organization to fill that position. Don Looney was the last player to be Pittsburgh's leading receiver in any single season who wasn't homegrown, and that was during World War II. They draft and develop, sometimes to a fault, at that spot. I don't know that Justin Fields winning the job would change that either."

It isn't clear how hard the Steelers have tried to get Aiyuk. There have been reports that there is validity to the talk of the Steelers expressing an interest. However, General Manager Omar Khan has shown a willingness to kick the tires on many players, but that doesn't necessarily mean that the Steelers tendered an offer. 

Breer also points out in this article that posturing has seemed to work before in San Francisco. Two years ago, Aiyuk's teammate and fellow wide receiver Deebo Samuel fought for a contract he felt reflected his contributions to the team. Samuel didn't attend any voluntary programs with the team and planned to hold-in from training camp. Ultimately, he landed himself a huge three-year extension. 

The Steelers are often praised for their knack for finding and developing players out of the draft. They aren't usually the players projected to go in the first round; Antonio Brown was a sixth-round pick, and JuJu Smith-Schuster was a second-round selection. The Steelers know how to find these diamonds in the rough and also know when it is time to cut bait and move on. 

Pittsburgh isn't known for frivolity when it comes to money spending. This offseason, they signed Patrick Queen to their biggest free agent contract in team history, at three years and $41 million. That, coupled with the fact that they normally develop their receivers, makes it hard to imagine them breaking the bank on Aiyuk, but it sure would be fun to see him in black and gold. 

Can Steelers' George Pickens Handle Being The Number One Receiver?

If the Steelers don't sign a big-name receiver, the gap between the number one and two receivers will be much larger than it was with Johnson and Pickens. There is depth behind Pickens, but none seems to be at his same level of production and talent.

That means if Pickens wants to prove himself, he has to show that he can be consistent. As was recently pointed out by insider Ray Fittipaldo, Pickens has been inconsistent; it is either a tremendous catch that goes viral on the internet, or radio silence. There could be reasons for this other than Pickens' abilities, however. The Steelers struggled with stability at quarterback and with their play-calling. He is entering his third season in the league, and it is time to show the franchise that he has what it takes to be a star. 

What do you think of the Steelers' chances of getting Aiyuk; if they don't, can Pickens handle it alone? Click to comment below. 

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