The Pittsburgh Steelers are still attempting to pry Brandon Aiyuk away from the San Francisco 49ers, but the two organizations are having issues agreeing on trade compensation. Aiyuk is a very talented receiver coming off of an All-Pro season, so the 49ers want to make sure they are being compensated appropriately. He is a large part of their offense, yet he and the organization haven't been able to agree to an extension as negotiations have been going on for months. It seems he will likely be traded, with the Steelers being a favorable landing spot.
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Brandon Aiyuk looks on before a game with the 49ers.
A potential Aiyuk trade is fairly complicated. San Francisco needs to agree to the compensation they would receive, while Aiyuk also needs to agree with his new team on a new contract. It has been reported that Pittsburgh and Aiyuk have already come to terms on an extension, the only hold up in the deal is the trade between the two organizations. There has been some reports saying the 49ers want players from the Steelers, while others have speculated the disagreement surrounds draft compensation. Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo went on 93.7 The Fan on Thursday, and he was asked what the gap is amidst the trade talks.
"I think draft picks. I don't know exactly what the Steelers' offer is, but the 49ers would like a one (first round draft pick), and probably more. I think that's where the sticking point is. You got to remember, the Steelers are a team, and I know it's a completely different situation, but the Steelers are a team that traded Antonio Brown for a third round pick. I know that's a little bit of apples to oranges. Brandon Aiyuk is going into the last year of his contract, the 49ers have no intentions of signing him, so for the Steelers to give up a first round pick, that might be a little too rich."
When the Steelers traded Antonio Brown, it was under the reign of former General Manager, Kevin Colbert. He dealt Brown to the then-Oakland Raiders for a third and fifth round pick. Now Omar Khan is in charge, and he doesn't plan on giving up the first rounder that the 49ers desire. It would be a bad optic for Pittsburgh to trade Brown away for next to nothing six years ago, and now give up one of Pittsburgh's prized future assets for Aiyuk.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan picks up the phone in the team's war room during the 2023 NFL Draft weekend.
Earlier in the week, it was reported that the 49ers wanted players from the Steelers, but that seems not to be the case. The players the 49ers would have taken included George Pickens and Pat Freiermuth, which there is no chance the Steelers give up. Trading away either player to acquire Aiyuk would be counter productive.
After Fittipaldo's speculation, the trade seems to revolve around draft compensation. Khan would probably be willing to give up a second round selection and maybe a pair of Day 3 picks, but that may be it. If he doesn't up his offer and the 49ers don't budge, this process could be drawn out for even longer.
Matt Durisko / The Press Democrat Associated Press
Brandon Aiyuk celebrates a well earned win against the Steelers in Week 1 of 2023.
Steelers Are One Of The Few Teams Remaining That Could Acquire Aiyuk
The Aiyuk trade saga feels like it has gone on for decades. Many teams have been involved and then dropped out, including the Washington Commanders and New England Patriots. Now, it is just the Steelers and Cleveland Browns fighting to finish a trade for the All-Pro. The Browns and 49ers have been said to have the framework of a trade done, but Aiyuk does not want to go to Cleveland and won't sign a deal there.
The opposite is true for Pittsburgh, who have reportedly agreed to terms on a deal with Aiyuk, but can't strike a deal with San Francisco. It is a true stalemate between the two teams, who could still up their contract offer to Aiyuk to retain their receiver.
What would you be willing to give up for Aiyuk? Let us know in the comments below!
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