Steelers News: Brandon Aiyuk requests trade from 49ers, joint practice with Bills

This is the calm before the storm. We are in the thick of the deadest part of the football calendar before training camp practices begin, and things have been tranquil on the part of the Pittsburgh Steelers... but that's about to change.

All offseason, we've heard trade rumors surrounding the wide receiver position, and a household name has reportedly requested a trade. The latest Steelers news revolves around Brandon Aiyuk and a special Steelers training camp practice in 2024.

Brandon Aiyuk requests trade from 49ers

It has been confirmed. Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reported on July 16 that Brandon Aiyuk has officially requested a trade from the San Francisco 49ers. Aiyuk is coming off the best season of his career and is seeking a new contract extension.

Aiyuk has been at the center of trade discussions throughout the 2024 offseason, and the Pittsburgh Steelers were one team he was routinely linked to. The Steelers have a need for a significant upgrade at the wide receiver position, and they reportedly called the 49ers during the NFL Draft to inquire about a trade.

The signs all along were that Aiyuk was unhappy in San Francisco, and his trade request was confirmation of where he stood. It remains to be seen if General Manager John Lynch and the 49ers will agree with his request and seek a trade, but you can bet this is a story Steelers GM Omar Khan will have his eyes on.

Steelers will have joint practice with the Buffalo Bills

It was announced on July 16 that the Steelers will host the Buffalo Bills for a joint practice in 2024. This practice will take place on August 15 -- two days before the teams face each other for their preseason game.

Unfortunately, this is one day after training camp practices close to the public. Those hoping to see the energy and potential scuffles at practice will have to do so through clips and posts on social media from those on hand at practice.

The Steelers don't have joint practices often, but going up against Josh Allen and the team that knocked them out of the playoffs last year will be a good test. This will also mark a reunion between the Steelers and 2020 second-round pick, Chase Claypool -- a storyline that the media will have their eyes on.

Deshaun Watson earns unwarranted praise

Recently, Cleveland Browns guard Wyatt Teller spoke to Tyler Dunne of Go Long where he praised his quarterback, Deshaun Watson. Teller explains that he has seen glimpses of Patrick Mahomes in Watson since the former Pro Bowl quarterback came to Cleveland.

Steelers fans can only sit back and laugh at these remarks. Watson's career with the Browns has not been as advertised, and he needs to prove that he's worth the contract and draft capital Cleveland forked up to acquire him.