Brandon Aiyuk Trade Rumors: Steelers Out On Star Receiver?

There was some major news regarding Brandon Aiyuk on Monday night into Tuesday morning, and it doesn’t bode well for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

NBC Sports Bay Area reported the San Francisco 49ers have agreed to the framework of trades with the New England Patriots and Cleveland Browns for the receiver, and the decision will come down to whether Aiyuk agrees on a new deal with either team.

The 49ers, according to the report, also gave Aiyuk permission to negotiate with the Steelers and Washington Commanders, but the Steelers are “effectively no longer an option” after failing to meet the Niners’ trade request, NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco reported, citing a league source.

ESPN’s Mike Reiss reported something similar Tuesday morning, essentially confirming the Browns and Patriots are the finalists. The Steelers, Reiss wrote, “also were interested, but barring a change, do not appear to be a potential trade destination any longer, according to sources.”

Aiyuk, arguably one of the most underrated players in the NFL, would be a huge upgrade for any receiver room. He’s a tremendous route-runner and is extremely dangerous after the catch and can also contribute in the run game as a blocker. The Steelers’ receiver group is already quite strong with George Pickens and rookie Roman Wilson leading the way, but adding Aiyuk would have been a major step forward in getting back to Super Bowl contention.

Now, it appears Pittsburgh must find a different direction if it wants to upgrade its group of pass-catchers.