Steelers Seriously Want Brandon Aiyuk; Just 1 Big Problem For Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk have been engaged in a dance of a potential trade for nearly the entire 2024 offseason. The rumor pendulum on the Steelers' interest in the 26-year-old former first-round pick from the San Francisco 49ers has swung wildly back and forth the entire time. However, one thing remains clear: the Steelers are in dire need of a strong receiver to line up across from George Pickens when the regular season starts. The addition of a mature veteran like Aiyuk could potentially quell the rumors regarding diva-like behavior and drama that have been circulating in that room. 

Steelers fans are known to latch on to any potential trade rumors and run with them. Aiyuk fueled the flames with his post about his striking resemblance to Head Coach Mike Tomlin. There have been whispers that Aiyuk might want to leave the 49ers and sign a new contract elsewhere, but the large financial commitment might be a hurdle for Pittsburgh. However, the pendulum swung back just recently when San Francisco General Manager John Lynch seemed to shift from his earlier statement that Aiyuk wasn't going anywhere. Instead, he hinted at a potential mutually beneficial decision and expressed their desire to keep Aiyuk with the 49ers.  

Now, Andrew Fillipponi from 93.7 The Fan reported new information from his source, stating that the Steelers and Aiyuk are back in discussions and thinking about a potential trade package. Fillipponi posted this on his page on X. 

"Sources: The Steelers REALLY like Brandon Aiyuk. They've discussed what a trade package would look like. And that could include a 2025 first-round pick. They just need the 49ers to show interest in talking trade. That still hasn't happened. Stay tuned."

That, coupled with Lynch's change in remarks, seems to suggest this is more of a possibility than most realize. It would be an unusual move for the Steelers, who are well known for finding wide receivers in the draft, post-day one, and turning them into successes. They obtained Antonio Brown in the sixth round, current starting receiver Pickens was a second-round pick. His previous partner Diontae Johnson was a third-round pick in 2019.

Aiyuk has been excellent for the 49ers since they drafted him in 2020. During his four years in the league, he has racked up 269 catches on 399 targets for 3,931 yards and 25 touchdowns. Now that the 49ers' stance on trading Aiyuk seems to be wavering, his asking price could drop to something acceptable to Pittsburgh. 

Steelers Need Another Solid Receiver

The Steelers traded away Johnson to the Carolina Panthers, leaving Pickens alone on an island. Pittsburgh did pick up Van Jefferson and Quez Watkins to provide some depth to the receiving room, but they are not players who can step in and fill the hole left by Johnson's departure. Jefferson and Watkins join Calvin Austin III, who is still an unknown commodity at this point.      

Pittsburgh is in search of a receiver who can effectively complement Pickens. This player would likely need to create good separation, similar to Johnson's style. They would also need to be willing and capable of blocking for the anticipated increase in run plays under new Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith. Aiyuk, based on his performance in San Francisco, fits this bill perfectly. Unlike many other receivers, his non-diva attitude could bring a calming, more business-like presence to the room. This potential trade could be a game-changer for the Steelers.