If the San Francisco 49ers want to deal Brandon Aiyuk, the Pittsburgh Steelers are eager dance partners, even though it takes two to tango. Pittsburgh is keen to pair George Pickens with a gifted veteran wide receiver, which is why the Steelers have attempted to get Aiyuk from the 49ers, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Aiyuk has reportedly grown weary of his present contract position, thus the major question is whether or not the 49ers are willing to trade him. Although Niners general manager John Lynch recently stated that the team was “actively talking” with Aiyuk over a contract extension, it doesn’t seem like anything has changed given that the NFL Draft is less than two weeks away.
Due to this lack of improvement, the 49ers may decide to trade Aiyuk in the end, and if they do, there’s a good chance the Steelers will be the team they send him to. Since their time together in Tampa Bay, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin had a positive rapport with Lynch. Pittsburgh can close a deal since it has the draft capital and cap space available.
Recently, in addition to the 49ers’ first two draft picks, I projected a potential trade scenario involving the two teams that would send Aiyuk to Pittsburgh. The 49ers would receive the first three draft selections from the Steelers in exchange. Both parties would win in this situation.
In addition to acquiring Aiyuk, the Steelers would retain one pick in the first three rounds. Along with moving up in the first two rounds, the 49ers would also receive a third-round pick.
The Steelers would be better off adding Aiyuk to their receiving corps, which is expected to include a receiver selected in the draft. Pickens, who led the NFL in yards per reception last season with an average of 18.1, is presently leading the unit.
Although Aiyuk seems to be Pittsburgh’s top target, there are other possibilities, such as Tyler Lockett of Seattle and Courtland Sutton of Denver, two of Russell Wilson’s previous teammates.
These are two astute wide receivers who might be gotten for less money than what the Steelers would have to part with in order to sign Aiyuk. However, for any deal to occur, the Seahawks and Broncos, like the 49ers and Aiyuk, would need to be willing to part with those players.
The fact that the Steelers will soon acquire an experienced wideout has become evident, even though the player’s identity is still unknown. It will be interesting to watch how the next week unfolds.
