It's been almost a week since trade rumors started heating up about the Steelers getting close to a deal to acquire Brandon Aiyuk. The 49ers star receiver had been holding in at their training camp. No contract has been ironed out between him and the 49ers yet, but there is renewed hope over the past several days.
Mike Garafolo of NFL Network has reported that San Francisco has renewed talks with Aiyuk's camp and has increased their offer. There are still bumps in the road on a potential extension before it could get to the finish line. Right now, it has been speculated that the issue could be another year on the extension and potentially guaranteed money.
Pittsburgh remains in the mix as they have a potential trade with the 49ers agreed upon, but they are awaiting to see if San Francisco officially accepts the deal. This prospective trade also includes a contract extension with Aiyuk as well. Ian Rapoport said that once the 49ers would agree, the trade and Aiyuk extension would happen in short order.
With Aiyuk more present at 49ers practice over the past handful of days, many assume that he might find a resolution with his current team.
If so, then that puts the Steelers back at square one in hopes of finding an upgrade at receiver. Fans might not love the idea, but a former member of the Pittsburgh football team just became available.
JuJu Smith-Schuster could find his way back on the Pittsburgh Steelers
It has been three years since JuJu Smith-Schuster last played for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He jumped over to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022, where he won a Super Bowl. He earned a big payday that followed free agency. He signed with the New England Patriots. They took a gamble, but that marriage never worked out.
He was not able to produce the type of numbers in New England that he was able to elsewhere. His contract quickly became a burden, and both sides decided it was best to move on. The Patriots released him on August 9th. After his release, many have projected him to land with the Steelers or Chiefs due to his prior connections.
Ever since Smith-Schuster injured his shoulder that knocked him out for the majority of his final season in Pittsburgh, he hasn't been the same. When he started his career, he was seen as an innocent kid that everyone loved. He quickly grew disdain among many fans of the Steelers after making constant distractions away from the game of football.
His social media presence became such a problem that it started to blend into the game itself. Many thought he could become the next star receiver in Pittsburgh at one point, but injuries and off-the-field issues left a sour taste for most fans of the Steelers upon his departure. With desperation sinking in, Pittsburgh could overlook some of his past headaches.
Smith-Schuster has not been as active on social media ever since he left the Steel City. If he can keep those distractions away, then he could be a fair consolation prize. Everyone is still clinging to hope that Pittsburgh can land Aiyuk in a trade, but that seems to be fleeting by the day. Adding Smith-Schuster would provide an experienced guy who can add physicality to the group.