Steelers Now Are Showing Their Thoughts On Brandon Aiyuk Trade

The Pittsburgh Steelers released their official, initial, 2024 53-man roster on Tuesday, and there weren't many surprises. However, it did shine a spotlight on the ongoing concerns regarding the wide receiver room, particularly after the release of Quez Watkins and Dez Fitzpatrick. This drops the team to only five receivers instead of their usual six. It is hard to imagine them going into the regular season with just these players. 

Pittsburgh has been criticized all offseason for failing to secure a solid receiver to partner with George Pickens. The others in the room—Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, Van Jefferson, and Scotty Miller—have not consistently proven they are up to the task. According to Ray Fittipaldo, Steelers reporter for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, this makes him even more confident that the Steelers are planning to bring in another receiver.

The name that has been tossed around the most is Brandon Aiyuk. The star receiver has made it clear that he is unhappy with what the San Francisco 49ers have offered him. He reportedly agreed to a deal with the Steelers, but its been put on pause because the 49ers didn't agree to the terms of the trade. 

That doesn't mean the deal won't still happen. Recently, Fittipaldo joined 93.7 The Fan's Morning Show and told hosts Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson that there are many possible candidates among the players released on cut day. Fittipaldo said we should know quickly which way the team plans to go. 

"At this point now, I think we're going to find out if the Steelers really do think they're going to get Aiyuk," said Fittipaldo. "If they don't think so, they will probably sign one of these guys or claim one of those guys."

Fittipaldo had previously said that he was concerned Wilson would start the season on the injured reserve after suffering an ankle injury on the first day in pads. That did not happen, but Wilson is a rookie, and according to Fittipaldo, he will need time to get his bearings. 

The Steelers' decision to cut Watkins and Fitzpatrick indicates to Fittipaldo that something else is coming. He shared that he doesn't see the team going into the Week 1 game against the Atlanta Falcons with just the current group. 

"Roman Wilson hasn't practiced in a month," added Fittipaldo. He's probably going to be inactive for the first few games of the season until he gets his legs under him. That's another reason I think a receiver has to be added. I mean, you're looking at basically having four receivers at your disposal for the opener. I think a move is definitely coming there."

While it seems evident that the Steelers need to bring another receiver on board, Pickens could face a career season in 2024. New Offensive Coordinator, Arthur Smith has shown that he plans to actually design plays that scheme the talented young receiver to be open. We didn't see this under Matt Canada, and it showed in Pickens' frustration. If Smith runs a similar offense to the one he's used in the past, Pickens can expect to see quite a lot of action. 

Steelers' Tight End Room Should Also Flourish

During the Ben Roethlisberger era, the tight end position was integral to the team's offense. Roethlisberger frequently targeted Heath Miller and later Pat Freiermuth. But after Roethlisberger left and Kenny Pickett took over, Canada nearly ruined Freiermuth. 

Freiermuth had seven touchdowns during his rookie season with Roethlisberger under center. In the following two seasons, he had two a piece. Now, the tight end position is set to experience a resurgence under Smith. 

Smith has said his plan is to involve all the tight ends, including Darnell Washington and Connor Heyward. Heyward recently spoke with the media and shared how much more comfortable this new offense is for him and his teammates. He added that they have all grown together and feel they are finally on the same page as the quarterbacks. 

What do you think the Steelers will do about the wide receiver position? Click to comment below. 

#SteelerNation