NFL Insider Floats Huge Trade Idea That Would Boost Steelers’ Offense

The Pittsburgh Steelers, understandably so, remain patient amid the latest developments involving the San Francisco 49ers star wideout Brandon Aiyuk.

Aiyuk’s patience, on the other hand, remains thin as failure to reach a contract extension leaves San Francisco on the brink of losing its 26-year-old stud, which could help Pittsburgh’s case. The Steelers are in a position to contend, although questions, too, remain on the table such as the franchise’s quarterback situation — Pittsburgh added Russell Wilson and Justin Fields this offseason. But with Aiyuk displeased with the 49ers, and less than a week on the clock before training camp commences, the pendulum could swing in favor of the Steelers just in time, according to ESPN’s Dan Graziano.

“The Steelers’ No. 1 receiver is third-year man George Pickens, who recorded an encouraging 115 catches and 1,941 yards over his first two NFL seasons despite a dismal quarterback situation,” Graziano wrote Tuesday. “But after Pickens, the Steelers’ top WRs are probably veteran Van Jefferson and rookie third-rounder Roman Wilson.

“Aiyuk would make a sweet running mate for Pickens, who’s extension-eligible for the first time next offseason. Unlike some of the other teams on this list, the Steelers have the cap space right now to absorb Aiyuk’s $14.124 million salary, which they would technically have to carry for at least 24 hours before they could officially sign him to the extension. (And yeah, it obviously goes without saying that any team trading for Aiyuk would have to sign him to an extension.)”

Aside from the potential draft capital it’ll take to enter serious trade discussions with San Francisco, Pittsburgh general manager Omar Khan will also need to commit to Aiyuk’s offseason wishes and get down to brass tax in extension talks. Aiyuk’s been on the hunt for a payday above all else, yet with the Steelers, the avenue to both getting paid and contending could create a best-of-both-worlds situation for the organization and the four-year veteran.

Aiyuk would instantly become the No. 1 receiving option in Pittsburgh — albeit working under a currently foggy starting quarterback situation — which, obviously, improves a 10-7 Steelers offense that ranked 28th in passing yards (3,421) and third-to-last in total completions (323). The one-two punch of Aiyuk and Pickens would give both Wilson and Fields — and new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith — some favorable offensive weaponry amid their respective debut campaigns with the organization too.

Pittsburgh begins its training camp next Thursday at 10:30 a.m. ET.