It was a rollercoaster day for the Steelers in the trade department. The day started with the Steelers seemingly out of the race to trade for Brandon Aiyuk, with rumors suggesting they were no longer in contention. However, the day took a dramatic turn as reports started surfacing, indicating that the Steelers were back in the game.
Then, miraculously, reports started popping up like wildfires. The Steelers, seemingly out of the competition, were back in it. Then, of the three teams involved besides Pittsburgh, Washington, New England, and Cleveland, we heard that Washinton withdrew from the competition. Later on, news broke that New England withdrew as it became apparent that Aiyuk didn't want to play in New England.
Then came the bombshell from Andrew Fillipponi, a local Pittsburgh radio personality, that the Steelers had announced that the Steelers and 49ers had a verbal agreement to trade Brandon Aiyuk. When that news broke, we heard more rumors that Aiyuk didn't want to play for Cleveland either. It seemed like a done deal. However, no trade occurred; the Steelers didn't have a verbal agreement with the 49ers. Then we learned there may be a hold-up in the compensation that the 49ers want.
Where is the sticking point between the Steelers and 49ers?
According to some reports, the 49ers want what they feel is just compensation. If they are dealing with Aiyuk, they at least want another wide receiver in return, according to media reports later in the evening. It appears that Cleveland had a receiver to send the 49ers; however, given that Aiyuk has his hopes set on the Steelers, therein lies the rub.
Since trading Diontae Johnson, the Steelers have been thin at the receiver position despite drafting Roman Wilson. Hence, it makes no sense to trade George Pickens for Brandon Aiyuk or Pat Friermuth for that matter.
As some others have suggested, it would make more sense to trade an offensive lineman or another position where they have deeper talent. However, considering the 49ers are not budging on their asking price, what could the Steelers do?
Since trading Pat Freiermuth is out of the question, the Steelers could possibly trade Darnell Washington to complete this trade. Washington has not proven himself to be a great receiver, but he has upside potential and is a big body that the 49ers could use in their running game.
Imagine him blocking for Christian McCaffery. That could be an attractive option for the 49ers. Aiyuk for Washington seems a fair exchange. The Steelers might lose some blocking, but their passing offense becomes explosive.
Then, considering the 49ers still want a wide receiver, Washington is giving up a marginal receiver who might not make the team, like Quez Watkins, Dez Fitzpatrick, or even Van Jefferson. Whether the teams discussed anything like that is unclear.
Obviously, the Steelers want to get Aiyuk, but they don't want to sacrifice a receiver or another player if the rumors are accurate. What an acceptable deal is for the 49ers is not readily. apparent, as most of what we hear is mostly speculation, but it seems compensation is the sticking point. Hence, getting Aiyuk would be the icing on the cake for 2024. If it means giving up some players or marginal ones that the 49ers might take, then perhaps the Steelers should consider it