Steelers agrees to sign Brandon Aiyuk to replace fan-favourite after big decision from 49ers
After months of swirling speculation, the San Francisco 49ers have officially put their want-away wide receiver, Brandon Aiyuk, on the market. Among the teams expressing serious interest, the Pittsburgh Steelers are notably kicking the tires on this potential acquisition.
For the Steelers, landing Aiyuk is not just a desire but a necessity. If they fail to secure him, it would be a significant management failure. The stakes are even higher when considering that division rivals, such as the Cleveland Browns and the New England Patriots, are also reportedly hot on Aiyuk’s trail. Should the Browns manage to snag Aiyuk, it could spell doom for the Steelers’ season, potentially relegating them to the bottom of the AFC North standings.
Undoubtedly, acquiring Aiyuk will come at a steep price. The Steelers will likely have to offer the 49ers a substantial package and be prepared to pay Aiyuk a hefty sum to secure and keep him. Yet, teams frequently find themselves overspending to obtain players who can fill critical needs. For the Steelers, Aiyuk is precisely that—a crucial need.
The current state of the Steelers’ wide receiver corps is inadequate, and this shortcoming threatens to undermine their passing game, even if Russell Wilson performs admirably at quarterback. While the Steelers have a solid ground game and Coach Oppenheimer can optimize the use of tight ends, the team will struggle in situations where they need to come from behind, especially when trailing by two scores or more in the second half. Opposing defenses will collapse their coverage on receiver George Pickens, leaving the Steelers without a viable option to quickly generate points. Long, drawn-out drives only increase the likelihood of mistakes when time is of the essence.
Brandon Aiyuk has the potential to change this dynamic completely. As a legitimate top-tier receiver, he would not only enhance the Steelers’ passing game but also free up Pickens to perform better by drawing coverage away from him. The Steelers should be willing to part with a first-round pick and more to acquire Aiyuk. At 26 years old, he is in his prime and represents a valuable asset for the team.
In the long term, the Steelers can let Pickens go when his contract expires after the 2025 season, as he may become disgruntled if Aiyuk usurps his targets. Aiyuk, on the other hand, is more reliable, making him a preferable option. The Steelers can draft another receiver in the interim to develop alongside Aiyuk.
Is Aiyuk worth $30 million per season? Maybe not, but he is undoubtedly very good, and the question boils down to whether the Steelers want to win. Comparatively, T.J. Watt’s cap hit is $30.4 million, and Minkah Fitzpatrick’s is $21.3 million—both have yet to secure a playoff victory. It’s not just about the cost but the impact on winning. Aiyuk could be the catalyst that helps the Steelers break their playoff drought, even if there are no guarantees.
The Steelers’ management, led by Mike Tomlin, has often emphasized the importance of Tomlin’s streak of never having a losing season. However, this conservative approach may have cost them opportunities for greater success. In 2019, when Ben Roethlisberger suffered a season-ending injury, the team opted to trade their 2020 first-round pick for Fitzpatrick to maintain an 8-8 record, rather than tanking for a higher draft pick and a potential franchise quarterback like Justin Herbert.
Currently, the Steelers project as a nine- or ten-win team. Adding Aiyuk to the roster could transform the offense, making the team more capable of staging comebacks and potentially securing a couple of additional victories. This move would also mitigate the repercussions of trading Diontae Johnson to Carolina without a solid backup plan at wide receiver.
The Steelers’ options are limited without Aiyuk. Van Jefferson’s increased practice with the JUGS football throwing machine might make him an effective No. 2 receiver behind Pickens, but that’s a big “if” relying on practice alone.
If the Steelers fail to acquire Aiyuk, it would be a significant setback. Conversely, if the Browns manage to get him, it would be disastrous for the Steelers. Cleveland’s already strong roster would receive a considerable boost with Aiyuk, even if Amari Cooper is part of a trade to San Francisco.
In a broader context, the Steelers might consider utilizing Justin Fields in a versatile role akin to the “Slash” days if he doesn’t win the starting quarterback battle. Fields’ potential to shine in various positions could provide the Steelers with a unique offensive edge. The hope is that Fields performs well in the exhibition opener against Houston at Acrisure Stadium, rallying fan support and setting the stage for an exciting quarterback controversy.
Ultimately, Russell Wilson’s performance will be crucial for the Steelers, but adding Aiyuk could provide the offensive spark needed to elevate the team’s overall performance and playoff prospects. The risk is substantial, but the potential reward could justify the gamble, aligning with the Steelers’ aspirations for success.
