dean bertoncelj / Shutterstock.com
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has been making news all offseason. He’s trying to get a long-term contract but hasn’t succeeded yet.
As the season approaches, the 49ers might trade him to another team.
Several teams are interested, including the Cleveland Browns, New England Patriots, and Pittsburgh Steelers. There have been mixed reports about the Steelers’ chances of getting Aiyuk. ESPN’s Adam Schefter initially said Pittsburgh wasn’t a likely destination for Aiyuk.
“I don’t expect Pittsburgh to be a landing spot at all for Brandon Aiyuk,” Schefter mentioned on “The Pat McAfee Show.”
But things changed quickly. Schefter later tweeted that talks between the Steelers and 49ers had restarted.
Steelers and 49ers re-engaged in conversations mid-day today regarding Brandon Aiyuk, per league sources. As of Monday night, the 49ers-Steelers talks stalled. But there have been further conversations today in an ever-fluid situation that still involves other teams as well.
Steelers and 49ers re-engaged in conversations mid-day today regarding Brandon Aiyuk, per league sources. As of Monday night, the 49ers-Steelers talks stalled. But there have been further conversations today in an ever-fluid situation that still involves other teams as well.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 6, 2024
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport also confirmed that Pittsburgh is still in the mix. He said the Browns and Patriots are more likely but didn’t rule out the Steelers.
“The [Steelers] are for sure in it right now,” Rapoport stated. “They are one of several teams that the 49ers are speaking with.” He added that discussions are further along with the Browns and Patriots.
Josina Anderson confirmed that talks between the Steelers and 49ers are ongoing. She noted there’s “a lot of back and forth” involved.
From Inside Training Camp Live: The latest on the Brandon Aiyuk, as the #49ers continue active trade discussions with the #Steelers, #Browns, and #Patriots, at the least. All three teams are still in it. pic.twitter.com/c5NMAKKI5J
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 6, 2024
Acquiring Aiyuk won’t be simple. Any team trading for him must meet the 49ers’ asking price and convince Aiyuk to sign a long-term deal with them.
Aiyuk has shown interest in joining the Steelers before. In June, he mentioned them as one of three teams he’d like to play for next year during “The Pivot” podcast.
“And then there’s the contract Brandon Aiyuk would want,” Rapoport continued, emphasizing his leverage due to his contract demands.
The #Steelers and #49ers are involved in talks over WR Brandon Aiyuk again, per source—as @AdamSchefter reported first.
Adding: I’m told they’re “working on it. It’s a lot of back and forth.” https://t.co/komawXe1Hf
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) August 6, 2024
The Steelers need another strong receiver opposite George Pickens since they traded Diontae Johnson earlier this year. Without additional talent at wide receiver, their passing game might struggle despite improvements elsewhere on offense.
