Steelers Fans Get Great News On Brandon Aiyuk As His Outlook With 49ers Has Now Turned "Pessimistic"

The Pittsburgh Steelers just can't seem to stay out of any trade rumors regarding big-time wide receivers. As we all know, they currently have a somewhat underwhelming receiving core right now. The team's presumed top four wideouts are George Pickens, Van Jefferson, Roman Wilson, and Calvin Austin III. The guy who is catching the most headlines as a possible trade candidate for Pittsburgh is San Francisco 49ers wide receiver, Brandon Aiyuk, who has still not agreed on a new deal in the Bay Area.

Adding a star playmaker like Aiyuk changes the Steelers' offensive outlook entirely. With new offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith, creating a whole new offense for Pittsburgh, we can assume that their system will run through their running backs, Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. Many fans gave up on the idea of a possible ground breaking trade, multiple times. However, hope seems to keep finding itself back to the Steel City when multiple reports come out saying that Aiyuk and San Francisco aren't getting close to a new deal. 

Also, the 49ers just gave wideout Jauan Jennings a new contract, drafted receiver Ricky Pearsall in the first round just over a month ago, and extended running back, Christian McCaffrey. All signs indicate that Aiyuk isn't staying in the Bay Area much longer. His personal receiving coach T.J. Houshmandzadeh was on San Francisco's 95.7 The Game and revealed Aiyuk's optimistic outlook for a new deal has now turned into a pessimistic outlook. 

Aiyuk is asking for a lot of money, and he reportedly wants at least $25 million per year. He is considered as one of the NFL's best, and the rest of the best are getting paid around that ballpark. Some recent big contract extensions around the league include Justin Jefferson ($35 million/year), AJ Brown ($32 million/year), Amon-Ra St. Brown ($30 million/year), and Jaylen Waddle ($28 million/year). 

Aiyuk is coming off of a season with a career high in receiving yards (1,342) and seven touchdowns. His playmaking ability would be a massive addition to a Steelers offense that has struggled in the passing game the last few years. Until Aiyuk and the 49ers reach on a new deal, the talks of a possible trade with Pittsburgh will not go away. 

Steelers Are Confident In Current Wide Receivers Room

For now, the Steelers plan on having Pickens, Wilson, Austin, and Jefferson on the field in 2024. Pickens is coming off of a strong first two seasons, and Jefferson is a quality veteran that has had some good seasons. Wilson comes in as a rookie with some pressure, as the Steelers could have him as WR2 right out of the gate. Austin is going into his third year in the NFL, but it's really his second season after he missed his entire rookie year with an injury. Austin wasn't used to his best ability last year, but Smith should be able to use his speed effectively in the new offense. 

Aside from the four wideouts, don't forget about tight end Pat Freiermuth, who is reportedly impressing at Organized Team Activities. Smith loves using his tight ends in his offenses, which could be another reason why the Steelers aren't worried about getting another receiver. Freiermuth is going into 2024 on the last year of his contract and is seeking an extension, so Pittsburgh would like to see him have his best season yet. 

It's not likely that Pittsburgh pulls off a trade for Aiyuk, especially considering the deal he wants. However, more and more signs indicate he will be out of the door in San Francisco at some point. Should the Steelers consider trading for him? Or should Steeler Nation forget about the idea and leave it in the past? Let us know below. 

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