Rumors have been swirling over the past couple of days that the Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to trade for San Francisco 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk. Here is why I think the Steelers should not make the blockbuster trade.
Brandon Aiyuk
Brandon Aiyuk was drafted in 2020 NFL draft. He was selected 25th overall by the San Francisco 49ers. Aiyuk has had over 1,000 yards in his last two seasons. In 2023 Brandon had the best season of his career. Aiyuk had over 1300 yards and seven touchdowns for the niners.
Since he was a first round pick, they 49ers have an option to keep him an extra year on his rookie deal which they have already picked up. Which means Aiyuk is scheduled to play for the 49ers this season but will need a new contact after 2024. The niners could look to trade him this season, so they do not have to pay him. The wide receiver market is huge right now, making Aiyuks contract very expense. The contract would likely be 20 to 25 million annually.
The Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers have had a massive offseason, they rebuilt their quarterback room completely along with adding many key pieces on defense. One moves the Steelers made was trading WR Dionte Johnson to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for CB Donte Jackson. This leave Pittsburgh with a hole at the wide receiver position. Therefore, the Steelers seem to be eyeing a receiver in free agency but are yet to sign one. After a tweet from Aiyuk this week there are rumors, that Pittsburgh could be in trade talks with the 49ers.
If Pittsburgh were to trade for Brandon Aiyuk it would cost a lot. First just to trade for the niners receiver, they would have to give up top draft capitol. It would most likely be a first-round pick, as that is what the top receiver have been traded for in the past couple seasons. The Steelers would also have to give Aiyuk and new contract.
Consequences of the trade
The Steelers currently have 15.5 million dollars according to over the cap. This would not be enough to add Aiyuk’s massive contract. Yes, they could restructure contacts and structure Aiyuks contact so they can stay under the cap. The main reason the Steelers have this money is because of their cheap quarterbacks. They signed Russ for 1.2 million and Justin Fields is still on his rookie contact. After the 2024 season it is very likely at least one of they will be extend by Pittsburgh. This will cost the Steelers a ton of money that they don’t have right now.
This is not even including the first round pick it would likely take to acquire Aiyuk. The Steelers still have needs at offensive line and secondary that they will likely look to fill in the first round. With Arthur Smith at OC, Pittsburgh will turn to a run heavy offense that does not require two top receivers. Instead, Pittsburgh should look to sign a cheaper free agent or target someone in the draft with high upside.
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