The AFC’s top team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, could acquire star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk in a $96 million trade this offseason. The San Francisco 49ers and Aiyuk are still in a contract impasse, but they could soon receive a top offer from a proposed trade partner. However, with this year’s draft just around the corner, don’t expect this trade to happen right away. Bleacher Report suggests the 49ers could send Aiyuk and a fourth-round pick to the Steelers in exchange for the No. 20 pick and a third-round pick. This isn’t the first time rumors about him with the Steelers have surfaced. The team has already been recruiting quarterbacks this offseason, signing Wilson and trading for Justin Fields. Some people need a reliable top-class target to throw darts at. However, Wilson is the starter and there will be quarterback competition between the two. The Steelers are in need of a receiver after trading one of their reliable targets, Diontae Johnson, to the Carolina Panthers this offseason. Aiyuk seems like a better option than the Steelers taking a wideout in this year’s draft. He is a proven weapon, with the most receiving yards of any wideout, and could complement George Pickens, who is scheduled to finish the season in 2023. However, the 49ers’ general manager said there are no plans to trade Aiyuk, but his contract may hold him out until he can get an extension.
According to reports, Aiyuk wants to be paid “what he’s worth” after a stellar 2023 season alongside Deebo Samuel. He has a fifth-year option worth $14.12 million, or could sign a four-year, $96 million contract with a new team.
Top AFC Team Pittsburgh Steelers May Trade For $96 Million Star Brandon Aiyuk in Blockbuster Deal
Teams Could Improve Their Offers
There’s been a lot of excitement in the wide receiver market lately after the Bills traded top star Stefon Diggs to the Texans. This has forced many teams to increase their offers and could lead to speculation that this trade may not happen at all. However, one source said the trade is unlikely to affect the market value of other teams that would like to trade him. This could be the case since Diggs had an existing contract before being traded while Aiyuk is looking for a new contract. Aiyuk has been one of the 49ers’ best players this season, so it’s hard to imagine a trade happening. It’s hard to wonder how the 49ers will be able to handle this situation, especially considering the team made it to the Super Bowl last season. There has been speculation that the team could trade Samuel for a prospect. However, if Aiyuk persists and is expected to return at a lower price, that could happen. There’s no need to extend Aiyuk just yet, as the team could use the franchise to keep him for two more years. The only implication is what Aiyuk will do if the 49ers don’t offer him a new contract right away.
Other possible business partners
Other potential trade destinations include the Bills, Commanders, and Los Angeles Chargers. However, this trade is expected to be considered in this year’s draft. The Bills are in dire need of a receiver after losing Gabe Davis to the Jaguars. The only active starting receivers are Khalil Shakir, Curtis Samuel and Mack Hollins. However, the manager could present the 49ers with a better and more interesting offer. Washington could use a wideout like Jahan Dotson and a draft pick in Aiyuk. The Chargers are still looking for a receiver after losing Mike Williams and Keenan Allen this offseason. They may offer a little draft capital to increase their offer
