If you are one of many Pittsburgh Steelers fans who have been banging the table for Brandon Aiyuk, you may finally get your wish. Trade talks are heating up, and Pittsburgh is reportedly at the forefront for the talented 49ers receiver.
On August 5, Adam Schefter joined The Pat McAfee Show to discuss the possibility of an Aiyuk trade. Later that day, multiple reputable sources posted on social media that a trade was in the works.
I spoke to a source close to the situation who claims the 49ers had trade offers from both the Patriots and Browns, but Aiyuk's party told the two possible suitors he would not commit to signing an extension if traded to New England or Cleveland. My source also noted that Aiyuk wants to play with quarterback Jayden Daniels in Washington, but the Commanders don't have enough interest in trading for the star receiver.
This leaves Pittsburgh as the remaining team in the race for Aiyuk.
My source suggests Aiyuk would be willing to sign in the ballpark of $28 million per season in new annual earnings if traded to the Steelers. To get a deal done, General Manager Omar Khan may be looking at a trade involving a second-round pick in 2025 while throwing in veteran guard James Daniels to sweeten the deal.
NFL analyst Cam Marino of NFL Draft Buzz reported the 49ers have agreed to a trade that will send Aiyuk to Pittsburgh, though there has been no confirmation from national NFL Insiders.
Steelers likely to finalize deal with 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk soon
With hints of a trade dropping left and right, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been blowing up on social media like never before prior to their first preseason game against the Texans this week. There was never a doubt that the team had an interest in acquiring an upgrade at wide receiver, as Khan confirmed that they reached out to the 49ers about a trade for a receiver during the 2024 NFL Draft.
Now it looks like we are in the final stages of the Brandon Aiyuk trade saga -- a road that likely leads to Pittsburgh.
The Steelers had question marks at the wide receiver position all offseason, and their situation didn't get better when Roman Wilson sustained an ankle injury during the first padded practice at training camp. Despite flashes from Van Jefferson and Calvin Austin III, Pittsburgh can hardly count on an internal option to be the answer to their problems at wide receiver.
Meanwhile, the 49ers may not have as much incentive to send one of their best players packing in the midst of a Super Bowl window, but they could be running out of options. My source told me the 49ers love Ricky Pearsall's fit in the offense and they want to wash their hands of the Brandon Aiyuk drama before the start of the 2024 season.
The Steelers and 49ers have been in trade discussions, and if both parties can agree on an asking price, a deal could be finalized before the start of the season. Buckle up, Steelers Nation!