The Pittsburgh Steelers seem to be trying to put the last few pieces together for a run in 2024. Whether it is Russell Wilson or Justin Fields taking snaps under center, the Steelers feel they upgraded that position in a pretty massive way.
One of the last things they’re trying to do is put more weapons around their quarterback. With Brandon Aiyuk’s availability up in the air, Bleacher Report has the Steelers turning their attention to another star wide receiver.
The Pittsburgh Steelers Pivot From Brandon Aiyuk In Massive Way According To Bleacher Report
In a recent article by Alex Kay of Bleacher Report, Chase lands with the Steelers in a massive trade idea:
Cincinnati Bengals receive: 2025 first-round pick, 2025 third-round pick, 2025 fourth-round pick
Pittsburgh Steelers receive: WR Ja’Marr Chase
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been prominently pursuing big name receivers this offseason. They reportedly put a pair of Day 2 picks on the table to try and lure Brandon Aiyuk away from the San Francisco 49ers, although that likely would not be enough to land a receiver of Ja’Marr Chase’s caliber.
If the Steelers are serious about augmenting Russell Wilson, George Pickens and Pat Freiermuth with a top-flight wideout, they shouldn’t hesitate to offer a package to Cincinnati headlined by a first-round pick along with some mid-round selections.
Chase has earned that value after three consecutively strong seasons to open his NFL career. Since being drafted No. 5 overall in 2021, the wideout has appeared in 45 games and racked up 268 receptions for 3,717 yards and 29 touchdowns. Aiyuk has similar numbers (269 catches for 3,931 yards and 25 scores), but it took him 17 more contests to reach those marks.
Chase has also earned Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and has been a Pro Bowler in all three seasons, a distinction Aiyuk has yet to earn.
The finances make Chase a better value as well. He’s due just over $1 million in salary for the upcoming season and even his 2025 pay is still a relative bargain at $21.8 million. Chase will only become truly expensive when his extension kicks in for the 2026 campaign and beyond.
In comparison, Aiyuk will be making $14.1 million for the upcoming season before his salary shoots up significantly based on whatever contract he eventually signs for the 2025 season.
The Bengals trading one of their best players to a division rival is unlikely, to say the least. However, if Pittsburgh is desperate enough, could they offer a ridiculously lucrative deal that the Bengals couldn’t pass up?
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