Rumors are growing that the Pittsburgh Steelers could sign wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk from the San Francisco 49ers. However, it would be quite expensive for the Steelers to make a trade happen. However, former Steelers offensive lineman Ramon Foster claimed the Steelers could consider trading one of their starting offensive linemen to cut costs. On the latest episode of DK Pittsburgh Sports’ Ramon Foster Show, Foster hinted that the Steelers could acquire left tackle Dan Moore Jr. as an offensive lineman available as part of a trade for Aiyuk. He added, “Dan (Moore Jr.) is also available for draft capital. If you look at San Francisco, he might be sent in a package,” Foster said. “How much longer will Trent Williams last? He’s a left tackle in that type of offense and gets the ball in and out as quickly as they do. “Dan is a great athlete. requested a transfer, and I like Dan, but that makes sense. If you say, “I’ll send you Four and Dan Moore.” ” Rumor has it that the Steelers have been in contact with Aiyuk since July 1993. Andrew Filipponi of The Fan reported that the team expressed interest in acquiring the 49ers receiver on March 19th.
The day before, Jerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette appeared on “The Rich Eisen Show” and said the Steelers may be looking for a “bigger catcher” at wideout. Aiyuk had 75 catches, 1,342 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in 16 games last season. He averaged a career-high 17.9 yards per catch en route to being named second-team All-Pro. In four seasons with San Francisco, Aiyuk had 269 receptions for 3,931 yards and 25 touchdowns.
Why the Steelers Could Acquire WR Brandon Aiyuk
Pittsburgh entered the market for a starting wide receiver shortly after the Steelers traded wideout Diontae Johnson and cornerback Donte Jackson to the Carolina Panthers. With the addition of Johnson, the Steelers lost an experienced wideout with the potential to reach 1,000 receiving yards. Additionally, George Pickens is the only receiver on the Steelers’ current roster to have more than 210 receiving yards last season.
Pittsburgh signed veteran receiver Van Jefferson as a free agent on March 16th. However, Jefferson had just 20 catches for 209 receiving yards in 17 games in 2023. Acquiring Aiyuk would not only fill the void left by Johnson, but would also improve him. Like Johnson, Aiyuk is a strong route runner and has a natural ability to get open. With his career averages of 14.6 yards per catch and 25 touchdowns in 62 games, Aiyuk has more potential than Johnson. Johnson also scored 25 touchdowns, but appeared in 77 games. Of those 25 points, only five have come in the past two years since Ben Roethlisberger retired. Aiyuk’s stats may be better because he played in Kyle Shanahan’s offense with other weapons like Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle. But in Pittsburgh, Aiyuk could be the last big man to help lift the Steelers offense out of a five-year slump.
How much does it cost to exchange with Aiyuk?
It would be an interesting idea for the Steelers to offer Moore as part of the Aiyuk package. However, Aiyuk would likely cost the Steelers a top draft pick in addition to Moore. Media personality Mia O’Brien reports that the 49ers reportedly asked the Jacksonville Jaguars for a first-round pick (No. 17 overall) and wide receiver Zay Jones in exchange for Aiyuk this offseason. Tweeted. It’s clear the Jaguars didn’t agree to this deal. So Aiyuk’s ultimate cost may not be a first-rounder and a player. But even with a player like Moore included in the deal, it’s safe to assume the 49ers are looking to get a top draft pick in exchange for Aiyuk. Foster also assumed the 49ers would be interested in Moore in his proposed scenario. The 25-year-old has been the Steelers’ starting left tackle since joining them as a fourth-round pick in 2021. However, according to statistics such as Pro Football Focus’ player performance, he was a reserve player.
