Aug 19, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; A Pittsburgh Steelers helmet sits on the sidelines against the Buffalo Bills at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The Pittsburgh Steelers face a significant gap to address in their wide receiver position. Dionte Johnson was traded to the Carolina Panthers, leaving a notable void. With Russell Wilson now confirmed as the team’s starting QB for 2024, it becomes crucial to equip him with ample weapons to optimize the offense’s performance.
Although the Steelers have acquired Van Jefferson and Quez Watkins post-Johnson’s trade, their combined receiving yards in 2023 amounted to only 351. Besides George Pickens, no wide receiver currently on the Steelers’ 2024 roster surpassed 209 receiving yards last season.
There were talks circulating about the Steelers potentially securing Bengals’ free agent Tyler Boyd. However, recent reports indicate that negotiations between both parties have stalled.
Pittsburgh Steelers Trade Proposal Lands 49ers Star WR Brandon Aiyuk
Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport identified Pittsburgh as one of six teams poised to make a compelling trade offer to the San Francisco 49ers for wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Davenport suggested the Steelers propose trading their first and third-round picks in the 2024 draft in exchange for the 2023 second-team All-Pro wide receiver.
“Aiyuk presents a more established and reliable option compared to potential selections at the 20th pick,” Davenport noted. “Pairing him with George Pickens would create a formidable duo at the wide receiver position.”
Davenport emphasized that offering the 20th overall pick would be a compelling proposition for the 49ers. Adding a late third-round pick to sweeten the deal could make it even more appealing to Niners general manager John Lynch.
Bringing Aiyuk onboard would address a crucial aspect lacking in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ lineup. In 2023, the 49ers standout achieved career-highs of 1,342 receiving yards and 17.9 yards per catch, along with 75 receptions and 7 touchdowns.
However, acquiring Aiyuk would come with significant financial implications beyond draft capital. Spotrac estimates Aiyuk’s value at approximately $96.1 million over a four-year contract. Such an agreement would result in an average annual salary exceeding $24 million for the 26-year-old receiver.
Why Would The Pittsburgh Steelers Trade For Brandon Aiyuk?
Brad Spielberger of Pro Football Focus recently argued that despite the additions of Jefferson and Watkins, the Pittsburgh Steelers are still without a clear-cut starting receiver opposite Pickens, and they lack a viable No. 3 wideout as well.
However, acquiring Brandon Aiyuk would change the landscape for the Steelers, as they would secure one of the premier receivers available this offseason. Aiyuk, alongside Pickens, would create a formidable duo, as noted by Davenport.
In 2023, Aiyuk averaged an impressive 17.9 yards per reception, while Pickens led the league with 18.1 yards per catch.
Aiyuk’s addition would elevate the Steelers’ receiving corps from one of the league’s weakest to potentially one of the strongest, although it would come at a significant cost. Additionally, the Steelers face other positional needs, including center, offensive tackle, and cornerback.
Trading their first and third-round picks for Aiyuk would make it challenging for the Steelers to address these other areas of need in the draft. It would also likely mean passing on top center prospects like Oregon’s Jackson Powers-Johnson and Duke’s Graham Barton, who are widely regarded as the best in the 2024 class.
While West Virginia’s Zach Frazier could be an option at center, he may not be available when the Steelers select in the second round at No. 51 overall.
Considering the limited immediate options at center in the draft and the sparse market for centers in free agency, it’s difficult to envision the Steelers parting with two top picks for Aiyuk. Nonetheless, if they aim to thrive offensively, they’ll need to secure another dynamic starting-caliber wide receiver.
