Good News: Brandon Aiyuk is Traded to Pittsburgh Steelers
According to Matt Barrows of The Athletic, if the San Francisco 49ers deal top wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, it will probably happen before or during the draft in late April.
Indeed, that is how I feel. Just go back to Deebo Samuel’s trade agitation two years ago. The 49ers were waiting to see what type of offers Samuel might bring, so they kept their phones open before and especially during the draft. The 49ers refused to bend even after receiving draft-day approaches from the Detroit Lions and New York Jets. Even if the Jets’ offer was very strong, the 49ers would have to make an extremely compelling case to release Samuel, who was coming off of an amazing 2021 season.
“I believe that Aiyuk, who possesses great chemistry with Brock Purdy, is in a similar situation: the 49ers are willing to consider offers, but it will require a significant event for them to release him,” Barrows stated.
When Aiyuk wrote, “@CoachTomlin they saying we twins,” to Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin on X on Tuesday, he ignited rumors. How do you feel?
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac believes the Steelers have a chance to get Aiyuk, but doing so would require them to forfeit a significant amount of draft capital. The highly regarded receiver would also want a sizable contract from the Steelers.
In response to the question of whether the Steelers are considering Aiyuk, Dulac stated in a recent online conversation, “They should, though it might cost too much money.”
Dulac said, “Oh, there’s a chance,” in response to a different query on Aiyuk. However, giving up so much is difficult, particularly with George Pickens around.
Wide receivers are desperately needed by the Steelers, and Aiyuk would be a perfect match. However, it is anticipated that acquiring Aiyuk would require enormous draft resources. Wide receiver Zay Jones and the Jaguars’ No. 17 overall selection were sought after by the 49ers, according to Jacksonville reporter Mia O’Brien. In 2024, the Jaguars would also be required to reimburse Aiyuk for the $14.124 million that San Francisco owes him.
Jacksonville canceled the agreement because they believed the trade package to be excessive.
The most recent instance of a top receiver being dealt in a comparable circumstance was the Philadelphia Eagles’ acquisition of A.J. Brown. They gave up their first-round selection and their third-round selection, which was the 101st overall choice in that year’s class. Thus, you may concoct a theory based on that parameter, suggesting that 20th and 98th places overall would be possible. However, given that it must be evident that the 49ers want to retain Aiyuk, they may demand more.
Then there is the whole notion of what a fresh deal with Aiyuk would genuinely command.Not only would the Steelers forfeit draft capital, but they would also have to relocate funds. Wherever Aiyuk ends up next, he’s going to demand a new deal. With a $24 million instant evaluation on Spotrac, Aiyuk is comparable to D.K. Metcalf and Stefon Diggs. However, it wouldn’t be shocking if Aiyuk reached even greater heights.