The Pittsburgh Steelers failed to make a move ahead of the trade deadline, and it has left many fans disappointed. Wide receiver was once again a huge need for this team, but this team sat on its hands instead of making a move.
It feels like the team is content with their room as is, and with Michael Pittman and Roman Wilson getting closer to returning to the field, a move wasn’t necessary.
The Steelers could still land a receiver upgrade, though. In fact, it could come from a player the team almost traded for just a few seasons ago: Brandon Aiyuk.
The Pittsburgh Steelers should kick the tires on Brandon Aiyuk
The former first-round pick has had quite the downfall. It wasn’t instant, but Aiyuk was building himself into one of the better receivers in the NFL. A season-ending injury in 2024 began the downfall for Aiyuk, though.
He veered away from the team during rehab, and the 49ers voided millions in guarantees and tried to claw back some of the money they had already paid him. This led to an extremely bitter confrontation and Aiyuk missing the entire 2025 season and half of the 2026 season.
The troubled receiver has been reinstated, though, and the expectation will be that San Francisco will eventually cut ties with him after his roster exemption is completed. This is where the Steelers come in.
No, I’m not saying Aiyuk will be an instant difference-maker for this team. Heck, more than likely, he would start on the practice squad as he continues to get into football shape. However, adding him on the cheap would be worth the risk.
Even if he can only partially return to form, it could be a home run for the Steelers. Assuming the deal he signs is for the minimum (or close to it), there would be little financial obligation to worry about.
Option A: he sees the field, looks like the old Aiyuk, and the Steelers extend him in the offseason and have a true weapon that they got for free. Option B: he flashes some of his old traits and earns a notable deal somewhere in the offseason and gives you a compensatory pick. Option C: he doesn’t amount to anything and his career fizzles out.
Even with the third option being the most likely, that means a deal with Aiyuk is all upside. Even if it amounts to nothing, the only thing you lose is the salary you pay him, which likely won’t be a lot.
There is concern that he will be a headache here. His time with the 49ers blew up in everyone’s face. That said, he has to know this will be his last shot, and I can’t imagine him being much of a problem.
And if he does continue to have issues, cutting him wouldn’t cost you anything.
The Steelers missed out on a receiver at the trade deadline, but that doesn’t mean they have to ignore the position moving forward. Aiyuk is a controversial name, but he offers no risk and a lot of reward. Pittsburgh should be lining up to sign him once he is cut.
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