REPORT: The Steelers are unlikely to make a significant trade for Brandon Aiyuk.
Pittsburgh — The Pittsburgh Steelers hope to add an experienced wide receiver via trade before the 2024 season. Their sights appear to be set on San Francisco 49ers’ Brandon Aiyuk, leaving supporters wondering how much a deal would cost.
Not as much as you may imagine.
According to a team source, trade talks between the Steelers and the 49ers are legitimate. While nothing is certain, they “would be surprised if it didn’t happen.” But it all comes down to remuneration, and Pittsburgh isn’t ready to negotiate much on pricing.
With Aiyuk stating openly on social media that negotiations between him and the 49ers are not going well, it appears that any team, including the Steelers, has an advantage in these trade talks. Pittsburgh is unwilling to overpay for a player that is unlikely to remain with their current squad in the long run.
What should the expectations be? Just thinking, a second-round pick and possibly a late-round pick might complete the transaction.
Then there’s the issue of his contract. While the Steelers do not have to extend him this offseason or ever, they are likely to. He anticipates earning around $30 million each season after 2024.
This will be handled by the Steelers’ front office. What they’re concerned about in a deal is the 49ers taking on a portion of Aiyuk’s $14 million contract this season. A negotiation that will most likely result in Pittsburgh paying less for the star wideout than his salary is worth in his first season with the organization.
No one knows when a deal will be completed, but both sides are in contact. It might come down to the wire at the NFL Draft, or it could happen later. However, unless Aiyuk inks a new contract in San Francisco, the potential of him joining the Steelers remains extremely likely.
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