Steelers' Big-Time Trade For A San Francisco 49ers Wide Receiver "Might Materialize"

Death, taxes and the entire fan base for the Pittsburgh Steelers wondering who will step up as the second wide receiver in 2024 are all certainties in life currently. The decision to trade top pass-catcher Diontae Johnson was completely fine in the moment given his locker room distractions, but now it seems like a bit of a head-scratcher. George Pickens is expected to lead the way, but trusting a rookie in Roman Wilson to perform immediately is not a guaranteed payoff. On top of that, the other names, such as Calvin Austin III, Van Jefferson, Quez Watkins and Scotty Miller, aren't exactly top-notch options.

There has been nonstop chatter regarding a potential big-time trade that would have the Steelers acquiring one of the San Francisco 49ers' best play-makers. General Manager John Lynch could elect to deal Deebo Samuel in order to gain cap space that allows Brandon Aiyuk to sign a long-term contract. The other option could be to part ways with Aiyuk due to his potential desire for a $30 million per year salary.

Mark Kaboly covers Pittsburgh for The Athletic and contributed to the platform's piece on what each team in the NFL should be the most concerned with as training camp rapidly approaches. The insider took a small shot at the receiving core behind Pickens and said that it's absolutely possible that General Manager Omar Khan gets a deal done with San Francisco.

"That’s where a trade for one of the 49ers’ receivers — Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel — might materialize because it is unlikely one of the aforementioned receivers suddenly turns into a legitimate second threat for Russell Wilson."

The aforementioned receivers he mentioned is in reference to the group of borderline wide receiver threes and fours that Pittsburgh has on the roster currently. The odds of one emerging are probably good, but without a new name added into the mix, Pickens will be double-teamed constantly and the offense may struggle to be productive in the passing game.

There has been so much talk surrounding the situation that fans will be left extremely upset if a deal never comes to fruition. It seems as Aiyuk is the only name currently being linked to Pittsburgh, but the delay from the 49ers could also be wanting to trade Samuel instead. One could make the case for a sign-and-trade for Aiyuk due to his age and productivity thus far in his career, but paying a wideout $30 million is not a Steelers-like move.

One of the other sticking points with this becomes Pickens' future. Could the organization afford to pay him a ton in the 2025 offseason if Aiyuk comes in and is extended for roughly $30 million per season? Pickens seems to have an ego about him and a trade of that magnitude could also upset him and leave him with no desire to re-sign with the franchise that drafted him.

There are a lot of pieces to this puzzle, but the clearest part of the situation is that the Steelers need to upgrade the wide receivers' room prior to the 2024 season kicking off. It's certainly on Khan's mind, but he is being patient and likely waiting for the right time to make his move. Don't be surprised if a deal materializes in the weeks leading up to the season.

Steelers Are A Wide Receiver Away From Being Extremely Dangerous In The AFC

If the defense remains healthy and the team gets above-average quarterback play, one more piece to the offense could skyrocket Pittsburgh's potential. Lynch could be holding out for a number of reasons, but it certainly feels as if either Aiyuk or Samuel could be made available. While it might be uncharacteristic for the Steelers to make a massive move, Khan has been unpredictable and anything is possible.

Do you think a deal for Aiyuk or Samuel is on the horizon? Let us know in the comments below!

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