Steelers Fans Get Big Update On Potential End To Brandon Aiyuk Saga

The Pittsburgh Steelers haven't inspired too much confidence during the 2024 preseason, specifically on the offensive side of the ball. The unit has only been able to put 15 points on the board, which has led to extreme concern from the fan base. It needs to be taken with a grain of salt because football in August doesn't always tell the full story, but even with the starting unit on the field, there hasn't been much to get excited about. There's no doubt that the team is likely going to need another weapon on offense, particularly at the wide receiver position. The Brandon Aiyuk saga has yet to see a resolution.

A new report seems to come out each day in relation to a Steelers' potential trade with the San Francisco 49ers for Aiyuk. As each day passes, it seems unlikely that the wideout will end up in the Steel City, but, at the same time, he still has not signed a new deal with the franchise that drafted him. With the regular season right around the corner, it appears that this situation may finally be nearing an end.

Adam Schefter was a part of ESPN's 27-Hour Fantasy Football Marathon on Monday evening and reported that it feels as if a final decision on the Aiyuk matter should be made before the Steelers and 49ers play their final preseason games.

"At some point, the 49ers need to get [to a] resolution. So I would expect this issue to heat up this week at some point in time," Schefter said. "It's reached a critical juncture."

This story has had many twists and turns, but it appears as if everyone, including both fan bases, is ready for the drama to be over. General Manager Omar Khan is probably certain that the offense needs play-making help, however, at what cost? The Steelers would need to pay Aiyuk while also giving up significant draft capital in order to land the blossoming star.

George Pickens is currently the one wide receiver on the roster that the team knows will be consistent and productive week in and week out. Veterans like Van Jefferson and Scotty Miller are nice to have on the roster, but it's hard to imagine anyone in the organization is comfortable with either of them being the second option in the passing game.

If the Steelers want to be a legitimate threat to win the AFC North, strong offensive play will be crucial. It is clear that the franchise will have one of the best defenses in the league as a whole; however, the offense is a completely different story. The Arthur Smith hire is expected to turn the tides for the group after a horrific two and a half season stretch with Matt Canada calling the plays.

The clock is ticking for Khan to make something happen in regards to Aiyuk. The pass-catcher wants to get paid what he believes he is worth, and it appears that neither Pittsburgh nor San Francisco has reached that point yet. Even if the Steelers have, the compensation heading to the 49ers needs to be strong enough for it to make sense for the organization to part ways with Aiyuk. Trading him is counterproductive when a Super Bowl win is at the forefront of the front office's goals.

Steelers Are Running Out Of Time To Acquire Significant Offensive Player

Great wide receivers don't grow on trees and especially ones that are looking to potentially be dealt to a new city. Pittsburgh won't have many options (if any) to trade for in the event that Aiyuk signs to stay in San Francisco. Khan seems to be staying strong in his offer, which has caused a roadblock. The receiver is going to play football in 2024, and it just comes down to if the Steelers are willing to do everything possible for it to be in the Steel City.

Do you think that Aiyuk will be a Steeler before the team's final preseason contest on Saturday? Let us know in the comments below!

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