The fan base for the Pittsburgh Steelers is longing for an end to the Brandon Aiyuk saga. At this point, it seems like the wide receiver will remain with the San Francisco 49ers, or be dealt to play in the Steel City. It has been an ongoing chess match between Omar Khan and John Lynch, with neither willing to cave to the full demands from the other. It has been reported repeatedly that the Steelers are not willing to give up a player, which could be the biggest hold-up for a 49ers team that is looking to win a Super Bowl as soon as possible.
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49ers General Manager John Lynch embraces wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk on the field at Levi's Stadium during a San Francisco home game.
Pittsburgh's offense has been far from impressive in two preseason games thus far. The unit has only scored a total of 15 points, which is one of the worst two-game stretches in the 21st century for the franchise.
This could entice the Steelers to give up more in order to bring in a talented offensive play-maker like Aiyuk. The San Francisco Chronicle's Mike Silver reported on Saturday that Khan and co. may be willing to offer up a little more than originally anticipated. Landing Aiyuk could cost Pittsburgh two second-day draft picks in the NFL Draft.
"Pittsburgh is willing to give up second and third-round draft picks, however, leading the 49ers to explore a different strategy: Using one of those picks to pry a productive wide receiver from a third team in a separate trade," Silver wrote.
It was reported not too long ago that the 49ers wanted those selections in any trade, but Pittsburgh was unwilling to meet the demands. Now, the Steelers may be open to parting ways with those picks to land Aiyuk.
Silver also noted that the Washington Commanders are no longer pursuing the wideout, leading to more speculation about where Aiyuk will end up. Each day that goes by, it is becoming increasingly more likely that the talented receiver will remain on the West Coast as part of San Francisco. Until he agrees to a deal with the 49ers, however, the door remains open on a potential trade.
Steelers General Manager, Omar Khan signs for and meets with fans during the team's 2023 training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Reporting has been all over the place and no one really knows which direction this situation will go. The Steelers desperately need more help in the receiving game, but if San Francisco has caved to nearly all of Aiyuk's contract demands, he will stay with the team that drafted him and compete for a Super Bowl in 2024. There have been several twists and turns to the saga, but it should be nearing an end as the regular season comes closer.
As September nears, a trade puts the Steelers in a compromising position. The offense with the 49ers is much different than the one in Pittsburgh. The longer it takes for Aiyuk to end up in the Steel City, the more delayed his learning curve comes in relation to a new playbook. It shouldn't be too hard to pick up, but a lack of chemistry with the quarterbacks and his new teammates would be cause for concern.
There will continue to be fans and media monitoring this situation as each day passes, but the resolution will allow for everyone involved in it to breathe a sigh of relief. It has been a rollercoaster that is keeping fans around the NFL on their toes.
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Former Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Patrick Peterson allows a touchdown to Brandon Aiyuk of the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1 of 2023 during a contest at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.
Steelers Need Dynamic Offense In 2024 To Compete In AFC North
The preseason doesn't mean much, but 15 points in two games is very concerning, especially given the play of the starting unit. Khan could look to upgrade at receiver even if the Aiyuk deal falls through. The All-Pro is priority number one, but there could be a scenario that sees a new face come to the Steel City, but not with the last name Aiyuk. The Steelers need to be able to put up points if there are any hopes to win the AFC North.
