By Dianna Russini, Matt Barrows and Mike DeFabo
The Pittsburgh Steelers are still engaged in trade talks with the San Francisco 49ers involving receiver Brandon Aiyuk, although the two sides have yet to reach an agreement, league sources told The Athletic on Wednesday.
The 49ers, to this point, haven’t been satisfied with the Steelers’ offers and would like a receiver in return for Aiyuk as part of a trade, a league source said.
49ers coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed Tuesday the team gave Aiyuk permission to negotiate a potential new deal with other teams.
Over the weekend, the Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots were the top suitors, according to multiple reports, and the Pittsburgh Steelers have resurfaced as a possible destination. The Patriots, however, reportedly ended their pursuit of a deal to land Aiyuk, who reportedly is not interested in playing in New England.
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49ers confirm permission for Brandon Aiyuk to seek trade
Before Tuesday, the 49ers had maintained they wanted to retain Aiyuk, who finished with a career-high 1,342 receiving yards last season, but also have said they’ll take calls regarding a potential trade. Aiyuk has been a “hold-in” since the start of training camp — he attends meetings but has yet to take part in any practices since the offseason program began in the spring.
The Steelers have an obvious need at wide receiver after dealing former Pro Bowler Diontae Johnson this offseason. The depth chart currently features George Pickens at the top and a lot of question marks behind him.
On Wednesday, coach Mike Tomlin was asked if the Steelers could still be interested in adding a receiver to round out the room.
“I’ll let you guys speculate on that,” he said, with a grin.
Aiyuk made it clear in late June on “The Pivot Podcast,” hosted by former Steeler Ryan Clark, that Pittsburgh would be one of his preferred destinations if he doesn’t return to San Francisco. But the big question is whether Pittsburgh has the right return to make a deal work.
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If the San Francisco 49ers are looking for a receiver to replace Aiyuk and help them win in this window, the Steelers don’t have a ton to offer unless they’re willing to include Pickens, who is entering the third year of his rookie deal and just beginning to scratch the surface of his potential. While Pickens and his rookie contract would fit well into the 49ers’ salary cap, subtracting him from the Steelers wouldn’t necessarily solve Pittsburgh’s problems at the position.
Behind Pickens, Van Jefferson and Calvin Austin III are the two most promising receivers. Austin, a 5-foot-9 former college track athlete, might have the higher ceiling. However, Shanahan’s offense typically favors bigger, more physical receivers who are good blockers and reliable over the middle. Austin doesn’t fit that mold.
Jefferson is a bigger target at 6-1 and did run a 4.39 40-yard dash out of college. However, after a breakout second season in 2021, during which he tallied 50 receptions for 802 yards and six touchdowns, he hasn’t come close to matching that production. He’s coming off a 20-reception, 209-yard season with the Falcons and the Rams.
In terms of other receiving threats, tight end Pat Freiermuth hypothetically would have the talent to add value to a trade package. He’s entering the fourth and final year of his rookie deal and is currently in contract talks about his own extension in Pittsburgh. Considering how often new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith likes to feature tight ends, he would be a significant player to remove from the roster, as well.
Aside from receivers, the Steelers have a handful of linemen who might entice the 49ers, and Pittsburgh could always offer draft capital, too. But if the 49ers absolutely want a receiver, it would be hard to replace Aiyuk’s production with the options on the Steelers’ roster.
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(Photo: Christian Petersen / Getty Images)
