Steelers' Trade Talks For Brandon Aiyuk Are Heating Up With 49ers: "Motivated Now To Get Something Done"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been closely monitoring the situation with the San Francisco 49ers and their disgruntled receiver, Brandon Aiyuk. All offseason long, Aiyuk has been talking about how he wants a new contract, and how the 49ers don't even want him on the team at all. The Steelers have recently denied the claims that they were looking to trade for any big-name receiver, but Omar Khan is known as a guy that will always at least learn the asking price of a player and see if he can make it work. 

Andrew Fillipponi believes that the Steelers are doing more than just asking about the price to acquire Aiyuk. He thinks that there is actual progress being made in trade talks, and that there is motivation on the other side of the phone to get a deal done. 

John Lynch was steadfast in his approach throughout the whole offseason, claiming that the 49ers would not trade him, and they would find a way to keep him around no matter what. However, that mindset completely changed once their training camp began. With contract discussions completely stalling, the 49ers may not have a choice but to get what they can for their disgruntled star receiver. 

There have been reports that teams like the Steelers were just playing the long game, as they waited for the 49ers to lose more leverage so the price would drop. If Fillipponi's report is correct, then that would most likely be the case. While Khan has brought a more aggressive approach to the Steelers, he has still been smart with that style of building a team. He doesn't want to give up too many assets to acquire Aiyuk, especially with the contract that he's demanding. 

Steelers May Be Victimized By Recent Re-Negotiation

Players across the league always pay attention to what other players in the same position sign for. Aiyuk's contract demands have been consistent with that of a superstar receiver's salary, but there are concerns on if he deserves that level of payment or not. However, after another star receiver secured even more of a bag, Aiyuk may be more motivated to get the deal he desires as well. 

Tyreek Hill recently added on to his already-lucrative contract with a three-year extension worth $90 million, with $65 million guaranteed. Receivers across the league are paying attention to that number, including Aiyuk. He is now locked in until 2026 with more money than almost every single non-quarterback up to this point. 

If the Steelers are able to only give up something like a third-round pick, they don't have to worry about Aiyuk's contract demands too much, as they will have some leverage where they can either franchise tag him, or just let him walk in free agency and get back a third. However, if they give up something like a first-round pick, they will lose a lot of leverage in contract negotiations, and they will most likely give Aiyuk what he wants.

Trade and contract negotiations can be a tricky thing in the NFL, and the Steelers are playing a very dangerous game. If they trade for him and pay him what he wants, they will have one of the best starting receiver cores in the league, but they will be hurting in cap space for the near future, especially when it's time for George Pickens to get paid.

What do you think about the possibility of Brandon Aiyuk being traded to the Steelers? Let us know in the comments.

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