Steelers Lost Out In Free Agency After Overestimating Their Ability To Land Brandon Aiyuk

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been wrapped up in headlines revolving Brandon Aiyuk since well before the 2024 NFL Draft in April. It was well known throughout the league that Aiyuk could be available if his representatives could not work out an extension with the San Francisco 49ers, and so far, that has not happened. The All-Pro wide receiver has been a camp holdout and he officially requested a trade ahead of training camp, but team's were offering deals to the 49ers during the draft.

NFL free agency kicked off in March, right after Pittsburgh dealt Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers. Pittsburgh was clearly desperate for a starting-caliber wide receiver at that point, and free agency seemed like a perfect time to acquire one. The organization made some moves, but none of the receivers acquired should be considered "starting caliber." Insider Mark Kaboly went on the Minus Three Podcast, and he spoke about how he believes that the Steelers overestimated their ability to trade for Aiyuk, which led to them not signing any big name receivers in free agency.

"It's a tough situation. I think they overestimated their ability of getting Aiyuk. Obviously, they were in the mix back in April when the draft was around, but by the time April rolled around, all the free agents were gone anyways. I mean, they could have had Tyler Boyd if they wanted to, but they didn't want him. I mean one-year, $4.5 million in Tennessee, I think you would take Tyler Boyd right now."

Pittsburgh had reportedly been interested in Aiyuk on draft night, but couldn't strike a deal with San Francisco. There were many free agents that could have been attractive to the Steelers that the team either passed on or missed out on. Tyler Boyd was connected to Pittsburgh, but they couldn't come to an agreement. Mike Williams was also set to visit Pittsburgh, but he signed with the New York Jets before the Steelers even had a chance.

Instead of signing a receiver the Steelers knew they could rely on to start immediately, they added a slew of receivers that would be on the fringe of making the roster anywhere else. This includes Van Jefferson, Scotty Miller, and Quez Watkins. Jefferson and Miller have each had impressive camps, and have made significant impacts during the preseason games. Regardless, Pittsburgh would likely feel more comfortable going into the 2024 season with some different names behind George Pickens.

Pittsburgh's hesitancy during free agency could absolutely be linked to their aspirations to land Aiyuk. The receiver has been very open about his contract situation with San Francisco, and the two sides still seem to be distant on an extension. San Francisco wants to retain Aiyuk, but as the regular season gets closer, it seems more likely he gets dealt.

Steelers Still Very Much In On A Deal For Brandon Aiyuk

Steelers General Manager Omar Khan has been in trade talks with San Francisco since about the start of training camp. It has been reported that the framework of a trade is done with the 49ers, and Aiyuk and his representatives have been in contact with the Steelers about a new deal. Hope has dwindled that the Steelers will be able to complete a trade, as the 49ers seem extremely hesitant to part ways with their former first-round pick.

San Francisco also has their best offensive lineman, Trent Williams, holding out in hopes of a new deal. It would be difficult for the organization to offer a contract to Williams without knowing where they stand with Aiyuk. As soon as one of those dominos fall, the rest will. The 49ers likely don't want this drama to carry into the regular season, so a deal should be struck within the next week.

What do you think about Kaboly's theory? Do you still think the Steelers land Aiyuk? Let us know in the comments below!

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