A Steelers Trade For Brandon Aiyuk Could Drastically Affect The Future In Pittsburgh For 2 Important Players

The Pittsburgh Steelers revamped several areas of the roster throughout the 2024 offseason. The most newsworthy events came due to excessive turnover in the quarterback room. It appears the organization may be better off in that area with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, but there is a lot left to be desired when it comes to who the starting signal-caller will be throwing the ball to consistently. George Pickens is expected to be the top target, but after the franchise made the decision to trade Diontae Johnson, no one is convinced that a legitimate second threat exists on the current roster.

Roman Wilson was drafted in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, but he can't necessarily be relied on to step into a significant role immediately. The rest of the wide receivers' room is full of, at best, several number three and/or four wideouts. This has caused speculation for months about the idea of General Manager Omar Khan making a trade of great significance. The biggest name being thrown out there has been San Francisco 49ers pass-catcher Brandon Aiyuk. 

The disgruntled fifth-year player is entering the final year of his rookie deal and apparently isn't happy with his current situation. He requested a trade and wants to be dealt to a team that recognizes his value and pays him as one of the top offensive weapons in the NFL. A move by Khan to acquire Aiyuk is not out of the question, especially because the Steelers are currently slated to have the third-most cap space of any organization in 2025.

It's feasible for Khan to pull off a trade for Aiyuk if the 49ers do indeed decide to part ways with him. Unfortunately for Pittsburgh's fan base, making the decision to perform a sign-and-trade for the young superstar could come at a cost that has nothing to do with draft capital. Financially, it could work, but might end up with the team saying goodbye to a couple of very important players.

No one wants to see Cameron Heyward wear anything other than the black and gold. The reality is, however, the star defensive lineman has yet to agree to terms on a new deal that keeps him in the Steel City past the 2024 season. There might be concern with the front office regarding someone who is 35 and wanting a significant amount of money. Sure, Heyward deserves it after his stellar career, but Khan and co. may have other plans in mind.

Making a decision to acquire Aiyuk and then pay him around or more than $30 million per year could affect the decision-making process when it comes to re-signing Heyward. Pittsburgh has done nothing but spend money on the defensive side in recent years, which makes one wonder if the front office now is interested in investing more on the offensive end.

While Heyward moving on could be the 2025 domino effect of a Aiyuk sign-and-trade, there is a 2026 scenario that comes into play as well. Pickens could be due for an extension in the 2025 offseason, but if a ton of money is thrown Aiyuk's direction and he outperforms Pickens in 2024, the Steelers may decide to have Pickens play out his rookie contract, and then let him test free agency in 2026.

Steelers Pulling Off Long-Term Deals For Aiyuk And Pickens Would Lead To Lethal Combination

It's hard to predict which direction Pickens will go in if Pittsburgh brings in Aiyuk and pays him a boatload of money. Pickens certainly has an ego about him and having Aiyuk opposite of him could make his numbers skyrocket, but he may prefer to be the unquestioned top option on any offense. It would be interesting to see how he reacts to finally being looked at as a number one after the Johnson trade to potentially being a number two just months after before a regular season snap is played.

Do you think Aiyuk coming to Pittsburgh could soon mark the end of Heyward and Pickens' times in the Steel City? Let us know in the comments below!

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