The Pittsburgh Steelers are at the center of trade talks with the San Francisco 49ers in an attempt to acquire All-Pro wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. The Cleveland Browns are also reportedly in the mix, but Aiyuk has made it clear he has no intention of signing a new deal with the Browns. This is a key component that is part of the deal, as the Steelers have already worked out a verbal deal with Aiyuk. The only hold up is trade compensation heading back to San Francisco in the deal.
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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk attempts to make a move on Steelers safety Damontae Kazee during a 2023 regular season game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.
This Aiyuk-saga has been a long, drawn out process. The 49ers initially discussed trading him around the 2024 NFL Draft, and trade talks have ramped up since the start of training camp. Teams like the Washington Commanders and New England Patriots were involved, but have since dropped out of the running for Aiyuk. NFL insider Dianna Russini shared a tactic she heard the Steelers and General Manager Omar Khan may use going forward in this saga on her podcast, Scoop City.
"I did have someone in the league share with me earlier today, the Steelers may just sit back on this here and not rush it, so they can put the pressure on San Francisco who would be sitting in a pretty awkward position. Kind of wearing them down, and get a trade done that would work to their advantage. The timing may work out as they get closer to the season."
The Steelers can submit their offer to San Francisco and relax and wait to hear on a decision. Aiyuk doesn't want to go to Cleveland, so a deal can't happen there. San Francisco won't up their offer to Aiyuk. The Steelers are the most likely landing spot for the star receiver. The closer the season gets, the more pressure gets put on the 49ers to make something happen.
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Brandon Aiyuk during Super Bowl LVIII.
The 49ers are coming off of a Super Bowl appearance in 2023, and considered one of the top contenders for the Lombardi Trophy as the 2024 season quickly approaches. They don't need, or want, any distractions surrounding the team as they kick the season off. Having Aiyuk's holdout continue into the season does them a disservice, and trading him away for whatever they can get might be their only option.
49ers General Manager John Lynch wants a first round pick back in the deal, or a player, preferably a wide receiver. Pittsburgh has made it clear they won't give up anyone the 49ers would be interested in. This has caused the 49ers to put out feelings around the league to see if they can include another team in the trade to acquire a player, this would form the rare three-team trade in the NFL.
Khan has shown his patience in trade talks before. It was seen as early as the 2024 offseason when he acquired Justin Fields. The Chicago Bears were initially asking for a high draft pick back as compensation, but once Pittsburgh realized they were the only true suitors for Fields, they waited and got Fields for a cheaper price. The tactic could be used to acquire Aiyuk, as many fans are hoping this situation ends soon.
Trevor Ruszkowski / USA Today Sports
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan sits in front of the media to answer questions during his first NFL Scouting Combine as the head of the team's front office in 2023.
Steelers Could Use Other Wide Receivers Around The League As Leverage
Pittsburgh is simply one of San Francisco's only options to get rid of Aiyuk through a trade. Pittsburgh seems to have a lot of leverage - and they may have just gotten more. CeeDee Lamb is in the midst of a holdout with the Dallas Cowboys, and a deal doesn't seem to be getting done anytime soon according to Jerry Jones.
If the 49ers refuse to budge, Khan could act as though the main goal is now to acquire Lamb, which might make the 49ers consider a lower offer. Of course an actual trade for a player of Lamb's caliber between Pittsburgh and Dallas would be bizarre, but it just might help get San Francisco to give in.
What do you think of Khan being patient and waiting? Let us know in the comments below!
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