The Pittsburgh Steelers are intertwined in one of the biggest and most drawn out headlines of the offseason: the future of All-Pro wide receiver, Brandon Aiyuk. Aiyuk remains unhappy with the San Francisco 49ers as the two sides have gotten nowhere closer on a contract extension, and it seems as though progress is being made on a trade. The Steelers, Cleveland Browns, and New England Patriots have all been reported to be in talks with San Francisco.
Matt Durisko / The Press Democrat Associated Press
Brandon Aiyuk celebrates a well earned win against the Steelers in Week 1 of 2023.
The Steelers got some good news on Tuesday night, as the Patriots are seemingly out of the running for Aiyuk's services. This obviously helps the Steelers, and their brass thinks they have a good shot to land Aiyuk. This was reported by insider Adam Schefter, citing that the Patriots are happy with the young group of receivers on their roster.
Sources: After inquiring about Brandon Aiyuk’s availability, the Patriots have decided not to explore any further trade possibilities with the 49ers regarding their standout wide receiver. Patriots are excited about their young receivers and want to focus on them. pic.twitter.com/RglYQJBmAx
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 7, 2024
This brings the sweepstakes down to just Pittsburgh and Cleveland. Aiyuk needs to sign an extension with the team he gets traded to, so he has a lot of say in the trade despite not having a no-trade clause in his contract. The battle for Aiyuk is now down to two AFC North rivals.
Darren Yamashita / USA TODAY Sports
Brandon Aiyuk looks on before a game with the 49ers.
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan seems to be in a standoff with 49ers General Manager John Lynch. Pittsburgh is Aiyuk's preferred destination, which is important considering how much say he has in where he ends up. Even if the Browns offer a trade the 49ers are absolutely in love with, Aiyuk would need to agree to terms on a new deal with Cleveland.
Pittsburgh seems to be okay with agreeing to a new contract with the receiver, but are standing their ground when it comes to trade compensation. San Francisco's asking price is reportedly a first round pick and then some, which Khan refuses to give up. Eventually this situation will meet its end, and it seems the two most likely outcomes are Aiyuk agreeing to a deal in San Francisco or the All-Pro wearing the black and gold.
Dynasty Pros
49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk catches a ball.
Steelers Trade Saga Should End Soon
Pittsburgh has been enthralled in these rumors since before the 2024 NFL Draft, and it finally may be coming to a conclusion. If Khan and Lynch can come to terms on a deal, than the runway will be clear for Aiyuk to be in Latrobe before the end of training camp.
Do you think the Steelers will land Aiyuk? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
