It has been a wild week for those who monitor news surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Brandon Aiyuk has been rumored to have a trade that would see him land in Pittsburgh. This has been a hot topic over the past week as many have speculated that a deal was approaching the finish line. Nothing has materialized yet, and it is possible that the black and gold could miss out on acquiring this star receiver.
The 49ers only want to move Aiyuk if they get a trade offer that entices them. The latest news has the Steelers as the last horse in the race, and Omar Khan is not afraid to play the long game to get Aiyuk at a reasonable price. Time will tell how San Francisco ultimately decides to play out this entire situation. Either they will hold onto him, or Pittsburgh will be the destination.
If the 49ers do hang onto Aiyuk, the belief is that the Steelers will remain on the trade market for potential upgrades at receiver.
DK Metcalf
A top name potentially available could be DK Metcalf.
There are tons of reasons why this makes sense, one of the top being Russell Wilson. Both have remained close and workout together in the offseason since their tenure together in Seattle. It's a new coaching staff in Seattle, and the team seems poised for a down season. If the Seahawks are willing to move Metcalf for a reasonable offer, he would be a nice fallback option if the Steelers miss out on Aiyuk.
Robert Woods
Sometimes recency bias pushes narratives in the NFL.
Robert Woods had a terrific game against the Steelers in their preseason opener last week. He is still a solid veteran receiver who can contribute on offense both in the slot and on the outside. He might not be the player he once was, but he would provide an upgrade both in a starting role and depth at the position. It might not be as big of an upgrade as others on this list, but Woods would be a cheaper option.
CeeDee Lamb
If the black and gold went from one star receiver to another, this could be their guy!
CeeDee Lamb has not been in many trade rumors this offseason, but the tune has altered lately. He has been one of the best receivers in the league over the past couple of years. He is looking for a new contract that pays him handsomely, much like Aiyuk. Dallas has recently been outspoken about not feeling a need to rush a deal. Now Lamb enters the rumor mill after expressing his disdain for the situation that has played out recently.
If Aiyuk fails to join the Steelers, Lamb might be an even better choice.
Tyler Lockett
Similar to the Metcalf connection, Tyler Lockett has a great repour with Wilson.
He is an older receiver, but he still produces quality numbers. The Seahawks may be willing to move him because of his cap hit, and the younger receivers they may want to give bigger roles to. Lockett would be a terrific pickup and shouldn't cost as many assets as someone like Metcalf or Aiyuk would. Lockett could be the prime option for the Steelers if they miss out on Aiyuk.
Treylon Burks
Might not be the level of receiver many want, but it could be a buy-low option that gets the Steelers a young player with some potential.
Treylon Burks was a first-round pick just two years ago. Injuries and poor performances have limited his production in the NFL thus far. This is a huge year for him in terms of a future career in the NFL. Maybe he still has some untapped potential left at just 24 years old. He would cost little to acquire, and the Titans don't seem fond of him anymore. Sometimes a change of scenery is what a player needs most.