The Pittsburgh Steelers have been entangled in the Brandon Aiyuk sweepstakes all offseason. It’s been one of the wildest trade storylines in recent memory, filled with twists and turns. The Steelers have reportedly been on the verge of a deal for several days, and many expected it to be finalized by now. Aiyuk hasn’t been satisfied with the San Francisco 49ers' offer, refusing to play for them this season unless they extend his contract to place him among the top-tier wide receivers.

Associated Press
49ers' Brandon Aiyuk runs onto the field before a game.
While the 49ers were content with offers from other teams like the Cleveland Browns, Aiyuk made it clear he didn’t want to be traded there. He could have ended the saga, but has a say in where he’s traded. The 49ers reopened contract talks with optimism about reaching a deal to keep Aiyuk.
“It’s pretty clear the deal the 49ers offered still isn’t to Brandon Aiyuk’s liking.”
— Kevin Adams (@KevinAdams26) August 13, 2024
The waiting game continues. But it feels like the Steelers are really REALLY close to pulling it off. pic.twitter.com/61rhajqhvo
On Monday night, NFL insider Mike Garafolo dropped a massive hint that the Steelers might be very close to securing a trade for Aiyuk. Garafolo shared insights from exclusive conversations, revealing how easily Pittsburgh could finalize the deal once the 49ers accept their trade offer.
“I believe based off of every conversation I have had, if the 49ers say, ‘Hey, Omar Khan, Pittsburgh Steelers, deal done, we are sending him to you,’ boom, the deal is done in a matter of seconds and then the contract is done in a matter of minutes as well.”
Garafolo made it clear that Aiyuk remains unhappy with the latest offer from the 49ers, putting the Steelers right back in the mix. As previously mentioned, the 49ers felt confident they could end this saga and get a new deal done with Aiyuk.

Lachlan Cunningham / Getty Images
49ers' Brandon Aiyuk looks on during a game.
As the time continues to pass, Garafolo believes that proves Aiyuk still doesn't like the offer. He still believes the 49ers can pick how they want to proceed, but this new report bodes well for Pittsburgh.
“They made an offer and it’s pretty clear the deal the 49ers offered still isn’t to Brandon Aiyuk’s liking and now it just seems that it’s stuck in limbo based on every conversation that I have had today. I think the ball is probably in the 49ers' court and it’s up to them to decide if they want to pursue the trade or if they want to continue to get a long-term deal done with Aiyuk. No real progress on either front over the weekend.”
The Steelers have a significant advantage: Aiyuk wants to play in Pittsburgh. This leaves the 49ers with limited leverage, putting them in a risky position. As their options dwindle, a trade seems increasingly inevitable.
The 49ers could hope Aiyuk plays out his final year, but that wouldn’t resolve much. They would still have to agree on a deal for the future. They have failed at that up to this point. If nothing happens and Aiyuk chooses to sit out, he wouldn’t accrue a season, leaving the team in the same situation next year. With options running out, a trade to Pittsburgh is increasingly looking like the most likely outcome.
Steelers' Omar Khan Stayed Patient And It's Close To Paying Off
While the 49ers aren't thrilled with the Steelers' offer and reportedly want a wide receiver in return, Pittsburgh isn’t willing to make that move, seeing it as counterproductive.

Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
General Manager Omar Khan speaks to the press at the Pittsburgh Steelers' UPMC Sports Complex in Pittsburgh, PA.
Omar Khan has strategically held firm on his offer, and based on recent reports, it seems more likely that Aiyuk could be traded to Pittsburgh sooner rather than later.
The Steelers' offer hasn’t met the 49ers' expectations, but Khan seems to know he holds the upper hand and is willing to play the long game. By holding firm, the Steelers could secure better value in a trade for Aiyuk, who would then be under contract in Pittsburgh and satisfied with the outcome. Khan has the skill to close this deal, and now Steelers fans are eagerly waiting, hoping he can bring Aiyuk to the Steel City.
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