49ers Insider: Steelers Trade Target Brandon Aiyuk Not Expected To Be In 49ers Huddle Week 1

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Brandon Aiyuk saga continues as the last week of the preseason is about to conclude. Many fans are sick of hearing Aiyuk's name and many thought the situation was finally going to find its conclusion as talks of a contract extension from the San Francisco 49ers started heating up once again. Now, it seems that everything is back to square one and there is even doubt that Aiyuk will play Week 1.

The 49ers are not only dealing with Aiyuk's contract, but with their All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams' contract as well. When asked on KNBR if Niners fans can expect either Williams or Aiyuk (even both) to be in the huddle for their Monday night matchup with the New York Jets, this is what Larry Krueger (Host of KNBR) had to say.

"I'm hoping for both, but I'm expecting Trent and not Brandon. I think the Brandon thing is literally very volatile. It's day to day, he has not been at practice the last couple days, it makes you wonder if the negotiations hit a snag. All options are still on the table."

The Steelers have been pretty dead set on their offer for Aiyuk, not budging at the rumors that the 49ers could possibly be able to work out a new deal for their All-Pro wide receiver. While Pittsburgh's current receiver room besides George Pickens is filled with rookie and one-year contracts, the organization hasn't played desperate and upped their offer to San Francisco. 

The Steelers' first-team offense has not shown up well in their first two preseason games of 2024. They haven't scored a touchdown in either game. Having a receiver opposite to Pickens with a resume like Aiyuk might help in the scoring department. Not only is he a weapon in the passing game, but he is a willing blocker which Arthur Smith would love to have. If Pickens were to get injured too, there likely isn't a receiver currently on the Steelers that could step in as the wide receiver one (WR1).

As of now, all options are on the table when it comes to Aiyuk. Whether he re-signs with the 49ers, or he is dealt to Pittsburgh, the situation as many insiders have kept repeating stays the same: fluid. Krueger does believe that the 49ers will end up re-signing their wide receiver since it would not only hurt their chances at winning a Super Bowl if they don't, but fans and players would likely begin to lose faith in John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan.

San Francisco does not want to lose Aiyuk. They have been vocal about that since he was a massive contributor to their Super Bowl run last season. The question now becomes, do the 49ers believe that Aiyuk is worth other pieces having to walk? 

Aiyuk will not budge from his asking price, so the waiting game will continue for the Steelers. General Manager Omar Khan feels that their offer is a fair deal, especially since the Steelers would have to give Aiyuk his desired contract extension once he was traded. The Steelers will continue to prepare for their last preseason game against the Detroit Lions and for their season opener on the road against the Atlanta Falcons as normal. However, the front office will continue to monitor the situation in San Francisco as it progresses.

Steelers Will Continue To Wait Out The 49ers 

The Steelers are in no rush when it comes to Aiyuk. Khan has shown that when it came to acquiring Justin Fields from the Chicago Bears for a conditional sixth round pick. While Pittsburgh's wide receiver room is less than desired, they are likely not increasing their offer to the 49ers. It seems this endless saga has added another chapter and could possibly continue after the start of the regular season. 

Will the Steelers end up with Aiyuk when it is all said and done, or will the 49ers finally work out a new contract with him to keep him in San Francisco? Let us know what you think will happen in the comments below.

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