The Pittsburgh Steelers have undergone a lot of roster reconstruction since the end of the 2023 season. General Manager Omar Khan took big swings and made some promising moves. Khan receives a lot of the credit, but consulting with him about certain moves is his Assistant General Manager Andy Weidl. Weidl has built impressive rosters while he was with the Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens, and now he is looking to do the same in Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers Assistant General Manager Andy Weidl speaks to the media.
Pittsburgh has been connected to the San Francisco 49ers about a possible trade for Brandon Aiyuk. The saga has been long and drawn out, as the 49ers are still trying to work out an extension with the receiver. Weidl has some experience trading for premier receivers, and he spoke about that while addressing the media ahead of the Steelers' joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Thursday. Weidl was asked whether it is smart for a team to trade Day 1 or Day 2 draft picks to acquire a proven veteran player.
"I think every situation is different. You know, I've been in two different places where that has happened, yeah, the last time was a first round pick and a third round pick for AJ Brown. And then Baltimore with Anquan Boldin. It's an opportunity, right? We always say right player, right price."
This question and answer are relevant to the Aiyuk-trade saga because this is around the compensation the Steelers would probably need to give up to land the receiver. It has been reported a first round pick is not involved in the deal the Steelers and 49ers have agreed upon, but a Day 2 pick almost certainly is.
Derik Hamilton / AP
Steelers' Minkah Fitzpatrick defends a pass to AJ Brown of the Eagles, who scored 3 touchdowns on their way to victory.
While Weidl was with the Eagles, they infamously traded their first round pick and a third round pick to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for AJ Brown. A similar move was made when Weidl was with the Ravens as they traded a third and fourth round pick for Anquan Boldin. Front offices that Weidl has been a part of aren't afraid to move on from high-value future draft picks in order to acquire a proven player at a position of need.
If Pittsburgh did pull off a trade for Aiyuk, it would be one of the biggest moves in franchise history. Not only would a large trade be completed, but a large extension would be given to the receiver as well. It is unlike the Steelers, but Khan has been going about this his own way since stepping into the GM role following the 2022 NFL Draft.
There is no doubting that the Steelers have been involved with the 49ers on a potential deal, and they even have a deal in place. The 49ers are giving it one last shot to work out a deal with their receiver. If the two sides can't agree on something soon, it is very likely Aiyuk ends up wearing the black and gold during the 2024 season.
Sebastian Foltz / Post-Gazette
Steelers' Van Jefferson catches a ball during OTAs.
Steelers Receivers Behind George Pickens Have Been Able To Impress
Heading into training camp, the only given in the wide receiver room was George Pickens. Behind him were a bunch of question marks. So far guys like Van Jefferson and Calvin Austin III have impressed, and rookie Roman Wilson began to play well before spraining his ankle. Pittsburgh seemed like they may be desperate for help at receiver going into 2024, but the situation might not be that bad. If Jefferson feels confident as the second wide receiver, and either Austin or Wilson can succeed in the slot - Pittsburgh may not even have a need for Aiyuk.
However, the inquiries have been made. If the 49ers decide to deal Aiyuk, he will end up in Pittsburgh, even if the under-the-radar receivers with the Steelers have been impressing.
What do you think about Weidl's comments? Do you think a trade will get done? Let us know in the comments below!
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