Most eyes focused on Deebo Samuel in trade rumors to Pittsburgh, but he is now off the market. The Washington Commanders added him for a fifth-round pick in the upcoming draft. It was a solid move by Washington, as they get a versatile weapon on offense who is cheaper, with the 49ers retaining some of his salary. It appears the Pittsburgh Steelers missed out on another opportunity.
According to multiple sources around the NFL, San Francisco might be willing to move extra money out of the building. They moved Samuel out to save cash, but they could trade Brandon Aiyuk a year after the Steelers had numerous rumors surrounding the receiver last offseason.
If Aiyuk has trade chatter pick up around his name, you better believe Omar Khan will be the first to call.
In another reality, Aiyuk left the 49ers and signed a massive contract extension with the Steelers, instead of re-upping with San Francisco. He suffered a season-ending injury this past campaign, and it seems the 49ers are somewhat displeased with their top target on offense. If Aiyuk becomes available, Pittsburgh should make their phones in California ring off the hook.
Mock trade proposals should be selling low on Aiyuk if he hits the trade block.
Steelers could finally land Brandon Aiyuk with this mock trade
No one in the organization can deny their intense interest in landing Aiyuk last offseason. They put all their eggs in one basket as they focused on landing an upgrade at the receiver position. It failed as Aiyuk decided to ink a contract extension with San Francisco moments before he was traded to Pittsburgh. It was a cat-and-mouse negotiation during this past preseason.
It left Khan without any alternatives on the trade market and forced the Steelers to run through the 2024 season with Van Jefferson as the second receiver on offense. It was a disaster, but things could be different for Pittsburgh's general manager this time. He would love to land Aiyuk, a top target on any offense around the NFL.
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He suffered a serious knee injury that affected his ACL and MCL. He is recovering, and all signs point to him potentially coming back between September and October of this upcoming campaign. When you factor in the unknown status of his recovery plus his contract, Pittsburgh would be foolish to pay too much to acquire the star player.
Finally, adding Aiyuk to this mock trade would provide redemption for Khan. He shouldn't have to pay as much in a potential deal as he was willing to do last time around. It would be a gamble adding Aiyuk's price tag, but the Steelers could cut him next year if he fails to return to form.
Even if they land a big fish like the 49ers superstar, Pittsburgh would be wise to invest a draft pick into the position.