The Pittsburgh Steelers made a significant move this offseason by parting ways with one of their top wide receivers, Diontae Johnson. This decision has sparked concerns among analysts about the strength of the Steelers' receiving corps, with some even labeling the group as weak. While George Pickens is expected to have a standout season, questions linger about which new receivers will step up behind him.
Tim Nwachukwu / Getty Images
49ers' Brandon Aiyuk speaks to his Head Coach Kyle Shanahan during a game.
As a result, the Steelers have been linked to numerous wide receiver rumors throughout the offseason. Among these, one persistent rumor involves a potential trade with the San Francisco 49ers for Brandon Aiyuk. The 49ers have faced challenges with Aiyuk, who requested a trade after growing frustrated with the team's reluctance to offer him the contract he believes he deserves. This standoff has led to Aiyuk skipping training camp, turning the situation into an ongoing saga as fans wonder where he will play in 2024.
The Aiyuk trade rumors have intensified recently, with whispers suggesting that a deal with the Steelers is imminent. With each passing day, more leaks from the 49ers’ side seem aimed at pressuring Pittsburgh. The reports went back and forth with contradictions. A recent report even suggested that the 49ers are now the frontrunners to keep Aiyuk, hinting that a resolution may be near.
On Thursday, the saga took another turn when 49ers Head Coach Kyle Shanahan provided an update to KNBR.
"We’ve been in the same situation for a while, still plenty of options/directions it can happen. We’re still trying to get to the bottom of it."
Shanahan's recent comments certainly raise some eyebrows. It’s unlikely that, even if the 49ers had a solution in mind, Shanahan would openly admit it. Naturally, he’d keep any plans tightly under wraps. Aiyuk has been attending practice, though he’s still not participating he was recently seen sporting a 49ers red cutoff shirt. This sighting seemed to crush the hopes of many Steelers fans who had been holding out hope for a potential trade that would bring Aiyuk to Pittsburgh.
Joe Sargent / Getty Images
Former Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Patrick Peterson allows a touchdown to Brandon Aiyuk of the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1 of 2023 during a contest at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.
Shanahan has been heavily involved in meetings with Aiyuk, as the 49ers find themselves in a complicated situation that has lingered throughout the offseason. Shanahan is clearly intent on keeping his star playmaker, but negotiations have hit a snag.
Aiyuk hasn’t been satisfied with any of the offers the 49ers have put on the table, or else he would have signed a new contract by now. While Shanahan's recent comments don’t reveal the full picture, they do suggest that a trade involving Aiyuk remains a real possibility.
Steelers Possible Trade Target Brandon Aiyuk Refused To Play For The Browns
The most satisfying twist in the Aiyuk saga for Steelers fans was his decision to turn down the Cleveland Browns. The Browns had made a significant offer to the 49ers, proposing to trade Amari Cooper, a second-round pick, and a fifth-round pick in exchange for Aiyuk.
However, Aiyuk refused to play in Cleveland, which reportedly prevented the 49ers from accepting the deal. Had the trade gone through, the Browns would have added a dangerous weapon in Aiyuk, though at the cost of losing Cooper, who is coming off a stellar 2023 season with 1,250 receiving yards.
@jerseyxswap / X
49ers' Brandon Aiyuk edit made by @jerseyxswap featuring a Browns jersey.
For Steelers fans, and the NFL world at large, the constant reports and rumors surrounding Aiyuk have become exhausting. Many are eager for this drawn-out ordeal to reach its conclusion.
It appears Aiyuk may have used the buzz and speculation about a potential trade to Pittsburgh as leverage in his negotiations with the 49ers. It was a smart move for Aiyuk but a tad annoying for the rest of the football world and of course Steelers fans. While the ongoing drama has worn thin, it’s sure to make headlines once Aiyuk’s future is finally decided.
#SteelerNation
