SAD NEWS: The Pittsburgh Steelers’ request to trade with the 49ers for “Brandon Aiyuk” has been declined.

Despite the addition of big names at quarterback, such as Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, the Steelers’ passing attack this year will still rely on their wide receiver corps. After selling Diontae Johnson and witnessing Allen Robinson leave in free agency, Pittsburgh has been looking for another seasoned receiver to pair with rising talent George Pickens, according to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

It’s not like the Steelers haven’t addressed the situation since Johnson and Robinson left. The club has added seasoned receivers such as Van Jefferson and Quez Watkins, but despite great sophomore seasons, neither has proven to be a consistent, dependable supporting wide out. Perhaps Pittsburgh intends to return Cordarrelle Patterson to his wide receiving roots, but more likely, the team will continue to seek an experienced veteran.

So far this offseason, the Steelers have shown interest in a number of such free agents. They signed division opponent Tyler Boyd, who played at nearby Pitt in college, but are apparently out of the running following a disappointing offer. The team also signed former Chargers veteran Mike Williams, who may have played well with Pickens after spending years as WR2 behind Keenan Allen, but Williams eventually joined Aaron Rodgers and the Jets.

Now, Dulac reports that we can add Brandon Aiyuk to that list of veteran wideouts that have piqued the Steelers’ interest. Aiyuk is not a free agent, so this isn’t a situation in which Pittsburgh can host the 49ers receiver and evaluate him in person. Also, despite the two sides being far apart in extension negotiations, Aiyuk has not delivered a trade request to the 49ers. In fact, San Francisco is reportedly actively rebuffing trade inquiries from outside parties.

As much as the Steelers want to get Aiyuk to Pittsburgh, there’s only so much they can do unless the 49ers decide to give in and participate. Until then, Pittsburgh will have to continue swinging elsewhere. Boyd remains available. As do free agents Hunter Renfrow, Odell Beckham Jr., Michael Gallup, and Michael Thomas. Several experienced names are available in free agency. The Steelers simply need to evaluate which are the best match for their new-look offenses.

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