The Pittsburgh Steelers and their hot trade rumors surrounding Brandon Aiyuk reheated once again after the star wide receiver reportedly requested a trade from the San Francisco 49ers this week. Aiyuk, who just turned 26 this offseason, is heading into his fifth year under his option with San Francisco after playing out his rookie contract for four seasons. After a big 2023 season, Aiyuk is looking to get paid as one of the league's best, and according to Mike Florio, there are at least five teams confirmed that are willing to pay him what he wants.
NBA Sports Bay Area
49ers star Brandon Aiyuk shakes hands with John Lynch after a game.
After the 49ers fell to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII last season, the concern about Aiyuk's future with the red and gold quickly took over the league. With a lot of top wideouts in the NFL getting new and pricey contracts, Aiyuk felt that he played well enough to be in that conversation for a $30 million per year type of deal. As the rest of the NFL prepared for the draft in April, most assumed that if Aiyuk was ever going to be traded, it would be at the draft when San Francisco would get the most capital in return.
Recently on The Pat McAfee Show, Florio revealed that their were at least five teams ready to pay Aiyuk his big contract during the draft, but couldn't agree on trade terms with John Lynch and the 49ers. Florio didn't reveal the teams' names, but it's more than possible that the Steelers were one of those five.
Aiyuk's fifth-year option with the 49ers is worth roughly $14 million, and he is essentially asking for that to be doubled. Pittsburgh, sitting at an estimate of $15 to $16 million in free cap space currently, could certainly maneuver some more money in order to bring in the stud receiver.
"I'm told that there were five teams during the draft that were willing to give Brandon Aiyuk the money he wanted but they couldn't work out a deal..
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) July 19, 2024
We've seen that you've gotta be the squeaky wheel to get paid by the 49ers" @ProFootballTalk #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/egppNc99xJ
Ahead of the NFL Draft in Detroit, NFL insiders reported that San Francisco would've wanted at least a first round pick and more in order to take Aiyuk from them. The Steelers were smart enough to not settle for that, and decided to wait it out. Now that the 49ers have wasted so much time, teams might be able to get Aiyuk for much less.
Gary A. Vasquez / USA TODAY Sports
49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk running with the football.
Among the Steelers, other teams that could have serious interest in Aiyuk that are realistic include the New England Patriots, Los Angeles Chargers, and the Washington Commanders. During a recent podcast with Ryan Clark and others on The Pivot, Aiyuk stated that if he doesn't return to the Bay Area, it'll most likely be Washington or Pittsburgh. As Aiyuk has received more and more yards each season with the 49ers, he sits at over 3,900 yards and has caught 25 touchdowns in their dynamic offense.
One of Pittsburgh's biggest and only needs on their roster currently is some receiving help for George Pickens, who right now is planning on being wide receiver one. Pickens has yet to have a full season as a team's number one option heading into his third year.
Steelers Are Prepared To Have An Offense Without Another Top Receiver
While the Steelers have been in trade rumors for Aiyuk for months now, it'd still be shocking to see them make a big move like this. Head Coach Mike Tomlin and the crew have been known for developing players through the draft rather than making big trades or signings. But Tomlin and Omar Khan seem to be getting tired with the mediocrity in their franchise, and it's been displayed throughout this offseason. Khan and Tomlin have made more impactful trades and signings this year than ever before, which is why the Steelers pose as a real threat for Aiyuk.
Still, as the Steelers gear up for training camp in just less than a week, they have to prepare with what they've got. Pittsburgh has been building a new offense and system with Arthur Smith for months now, and it's safe to say they're preparing for an offense without another elite wide receiver, leaving Pickens as the lone wolf at the top of the depth chart.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' George Pickens during mandatory minicamp in 2024.
With an improved offense from play-calling and quarterback changes, Pickens is set up to have his best season yet. He's still looking for his first Pro Bowl, as he and many fans thought he should've gotten his first appearance last year. What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.
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