Steelers Not Threatened By 49ers; Brandon Aiyuk "Will Be A Steeler"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been on a wild ride with Brandon Aiyuk all offseason. There have been reports that the two are close to a deal, but then the pendulum swings back the other way, and the deal is supposedly off. Aiyuk has been clear that he isn't satisfied with what the San Francisco 49ers are offering him. He isn't giving the team that drafted him and took him to a Super Bowl (despite losing to the Kansas City Chiefs), a hometown discount.   

This deal has many facets, and that is part of what makes it so complex. It isn't just about Aiyuk feeling adequately compensated, but also the trade demand the 49ers want in return. There were supposedly large trade deals offered by teams like the Cleveland Browns that Aiyuk refused, even though San Francisco agreed. That is another deciding factor; Aiyuk isn't just going to any team willing to pay; he has expectations regarding how he fits into the roster. 

Rumors abound that Aiyuk wants to come to Steel City and play for Head Coach Mike Tomlin, but the ball seems to be in the 49ers' court, according to reporter Mark Kaboly who joined the 93.7 The Fan Morning Show. Kaboly said it comes down to what San Francisco decides to do and how much they will put up with. If they want to move him, then they will move him. 

"How much patience they have with the situation is probably going to be the determining factor. But Omar [Khan] is playing the long game. He's been playing the long game since April. Honestly, most of the leverage is on the Steelers' side right now. It's either get something for Aiyuk, or he could become an issue, or you at least get something for him in return. I think eventually they're going to say, 'I'm tired of this. We need something else.' I think, eventually, he will be a Steeler. Who knows when? For all we know, that could be on October 30th or whenever the trade deadline is. But I think eventually, this year, he will be a Steeler."

Steelers General Manager Omar Khan seems to never blink. Unlike other NFL teams that appear to get frantic when they have holes to fill in their roster, Khan remains patient, calm, and makes decisions designed to get the Black and Gold back to the Super Bowl. Khan has laid the ground work and made an offer, it now sounds like a waiting game. 

The Steelers Could Look Elsewhere For A New Hero

While Pro Football Focus named Aiyuk the second-best receiver overall in the NFL for the 2023 season, he isn't the only wide receiver unhappy. Dallas Cowboys superstar CeeDee Lamb has recently entered the peripheral conversation. Lamb is entering the fifth year of his rookie contract and hopes to push the Cowboys into restructuring his deal before the start of the season. 

Lamb, who PFF ranked as the sixth-best pass catcher for 2023, has refused to practice with his teammates, instead choosing to sit out of camp to drive home his point. Much to Lamb's disappointment, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said the team is "in no rush" to get a deal done with Lamb. Lamb gave Jones a "lol" on social media in a show of apparent displeasure. While it could have been a playful jest, it felt more like a challenge. 

While it seems unlikely that Lamb would end up in Pittsburgh, the way this deal is playing out could give Khan an advantage when dealing with 49ers General Manager John Lynch. As Kaboly said, the Steelers are in the power position here. While having a receiver of Aiyuk's caliber on the team would be beneficial, the Steelers have indicated they do not feel it is necessary. If Aiyuk wants to play for Pittsburgh and is happy with the package they offered, he can make the 49ers very miserable until they finally give in.  

Do you agree with Kaboly that, at some point, Aiyuk will be a Steeler? If so, when? Click to comment below. 

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