There are rumors circulating about San Francisco's top wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, and the Steelers are reportedly interested in trading for him.
Aiyuk's rookie contract is ending soon, and he wants an extension, but the 49ers don't typically negotiate contract extensions until July or August.It seems Aiyuk might be generating interest in a trade so he can quickly secure a deal with another team instead of waiting to see if the Niners will extend his contract before training camp.
The 26-year-old is using his social media activity to do so. He recently started following Jacksonville quarterback Trevor Lawrence and some other Jaguars on Instagram.There were discussions on 1010XL radio about the Jaguars potentially trading a first-round pick and receiver Zay Jones to San Francisco for Aiyuk. However, these talks fell through partly due to the need to extend Aiyuk beyond this year once the trade is completed.
As I noted on #XLPrimetime: #49ers reportedly would've wanted No. 17 overall + Zay Jones. Then #Jaguars would have to pay Aiyuk. So, fizzling out.
(hopefully this tweet will stop all the random Niners fans who have Facebook friend requested/IG DM'd me in the last 4 days) https://t.co/jm3pEXXxM2
— Mia O'Brien (@MiaOBrienTV) March 18, 2024
Furthermore, on Tuesday, 93.7 The Fan’s Andrew Fillipponi reported that the Steelers have expressed interest in Aiyuk.
Sources: The Steelers have looked into 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk. He’s entering the last year of his contract. Steelers would have to execute a sign and trade. But they’ve shown interest. pic.twitter.com/Ftef5j2Ddr
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) March 19, 2024
A short time later, Aiyuk tweeted directly to Mike Tomlin, asking if he thought they looked alike.
@CoachTomlin they saying we twins. What you think ? ????
— BA (@THE2ERA) March 19, 2024
It was probably wise that Tomlin didn't answer Aiyuk's question, as it could have been seen as tampering.
Aiyuk was referring to a post from last month.
Brandon Aiyuk is Mike Tomlin with extensions ???? pic.twitter.com/s0AgIwPq40
— Mike Daddino (@mike_daddino) February 15, 2024
Aiyuk achieved second-team All-Pro status this year. He ranked seventh in the NFL in receiving yards (1,342) and was second only to the Steelers’ George Pickens in average yards per reception (18.3) at 17.9.
The 2020 first-round pick from Arizona State also had an outstanding performance against the Steelers in Week 1, making eight catches for 129 yards and two touchdowns.
Brandon Aiyuk is back to running nasty routes ????
????: #SFvsPIT on FOX
????: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/G4uoYVOqQn pic.twitter.com/uvYRoJhivU— NFL (@NFL) September 10, 2023
Acquiring Aiyuk would likely be the Steelers' most significant move of the offseason, even surpassing Patrick Queen. They should definitely pursue this, even if the cost of the extension is high and requires sacrificing a draft selection in the first two days of this year’s draft and/or a player.
Aiyuk's cap hit is $14.2 million for this year, and the Steelers have only $15 million remaining. Therefore, a significant amount of creativity would be needed for the extension.
If general manager Omar Khan can make it happen, he should.
