We are just a week away from the NFL Draft, and all eyes should be on the biggest offseason event of the year in the National Football League. For Steelers and 49ers fans, this hasn't been the case.
As we put the finishing touches on our draft boards and scouting reports, we continue to be bombarded with the swirling trade rumors surrounding 49ers star receiver, Brandon Aiyuk.
On April 17th, Chase Senior of Chat Sports reported that the Pittsburgh Steelers were aggressively pursuing a trade for Aiyuk and that he would be 'surprised if a deal didn't get done.
This claim was quickly contradicted by Aiyuk's agent, Ryan Williams, who called out this report for being blatantly incorrect, even labeling it as 'fictional journalism.'
Another “report” that couldn’t be more incorrect. Fictional “journalism” should really stop. https://t.co/jJWOJgNPi0
— Ryan Williams (@RyanWilliamsA1) April 18, 2024
It's not hard to imagine that there is interest in a deal on the part of the Steelers. Omar Khan could find a No. 1 receiver that could instantly give his team a boost and help them compete in the playoffs. But unfounded Brandon Aiyuk rumors are taking the focus off the NFL Draft.
Steelers fans should be focused on the draft
As much as Steelers fans would like to see this happen, the 49ers don't have nearly enough incentive to trade one of their best players while they are in the middle of a Super Bowl window. Technically, San Francisco still has three more years of control, should they exercise them all. Aiyuk is scheduled to play on the fifth-year option in 2024, and they can franchise tag him twice if need be.
While it's not an ideal situation or the best PR move, it's better to have a disgruntled WR1 who can help you compete for a Super Bowl than to ship him away out of desperation before the NFL Draft.
Steelers fans need to let these trade rumors go. The 49ers have made it clear that they aren't interested in trading him right now, and the focus should be on the upcoming draft.
This is an incredibly strong class when it comes to the wide receiver position. Even if Pittsburgh doesn't take a receiver in Round 1, they could still find a starter to pair with George Pickens on Day 2 of the draft.
Trading for Brandon Aiyuk would not only cost the Steelers top draft capital but they would also be forced to turn around and make him one of the highest-paid receivers in the league. Pittsburgh isn't close enough to contending for a Super Bowl to make a win-now move like this.
Either way, the Brandon Aiyuk trade rumors seem to be baseless right now. It's time to shut down the rumor mill and put the focus back on the talent that could be had in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft.