Steelers Could Be Back In On A Big Name Receiver After Agonizing Pursuit

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been cycling through wide receivers like crazy for the last few seasons. They always seem to have a decent number-one option, but never a second option to properly complement him. The most recent move came in the 2025 offseason when the Steelers traded for former Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf. It looked like the team would have Metcalf and George Pickens as their top two receiving options. However, shortly after the 2025 NFL Draft, the Steelers shipped Pickens off to the Dallas Cowboys for a third and future fifth-round pick. The team relied on Roman Wilson to fill the void, who now looks like he will never play for the team again. 

The Steelers have tried to get big-name receivers. One in particular, is Brandon Aiyuk, whom the team pursued for most of the 2024 offseason. Aiyuk, who held out of all team activities back then with the San Francisco 49ers, wanted a new contract. The Steelers tried to take advantage; it was always reported that a deal was in place, and it was up to Aiyuk to just say the word. The deal was even reportedly "at the goal line." Eventually, though, Aiyuk would give in and sign a four-year, $120,00,000 extension. Aiyuk proceeded to have the worst season of his career before suffering a brutal ACL tear that would put him out of action for the rest of the 2024 season and all of the 2025 season. Aiyuk then had a major falling out with the Niners organization, to the point of cutting off contact with the team. General Manager John Lynch spoke at the end-of-season press conference about the situation. 

"I think it's safe to say that he's played his last snap with the Niners," Lynch said. "It's unfortunate. A situation that just went awry. And I will look long and hard at what could have been done differently, but sometimes it just doesn't work out. And I think that this was a case where that happened." 

Aiyuk is now guaranteed to be moved; a team is almost certainly not going to trade for that contract, unless the Niners eat a significant portion of it. This could be a huge opportunity for the Steelers to finally get that number two receiver they've been searching for. 

Aiyuk likely won't be the player he was in 2023, where he posted 75 catches for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns. However, he could still be a very effective piece for the Steelers. They already have an established number one target in Metcalf, whom the team paid a lot of money for. Aiyuk would not have to be the team's number one target in Pittsburgh, as he was with the Niners.  

Steelers Wouldn't Have To Break The Bank For Aiyuk

With Aiyuk likely to get cut, the Steelers could sign him for cheap. Aiyuk hasn't played football in two years and has no leverage to get a big contract again. Especially given how his time with the Niners ended, he likely won't have a ton of interest. The Steelers are desperate however; they proved that when they trotted out 35-year-old Adam Thielen and 31-year-old Marquez Valdes-Scantling for the last few games of the 2025 season. The Steelers thought it was best to have the veterans out there rather than the youth.

Aiyuk is just 27 years old. He is still very well in the prime of his career despite the knee injury. Even if Aiyuk wasn't his 2023 self, it's a safe bet he would still be the Steelers' second-best receiver. The Steelers can't lose in this situation; they sign Aiyuk to a one-year prove-it deal. If he's good, great. If he's bad, it's only one year. The Steelers must add a receiver, and Aiyuk could be a tremendous help.  

What do you think? Should the Steelers target Aiyuk? What other receivers should the Steelers look to add? Let us know in the comments. 

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