Steelers Rumors: Deal For Brandon Aiyuk ‘Dead’ Without This

The Steelers’ potential acquisition of 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk might not be as imminent as we all initially thought.

San Francisco reportedly is trying to squeeze Pittsburgh for more.

The Steelers and 49ers had all but agreed to terms on a deal that would send Aiyuk to Pittsburgh, per multiple reports. John Lund of KNBR in San Francisco, however, claims the Niners are looking for increased compensation in the form of active players.

“The (49ers) are desperate to win a Super Bowl,” Lund said Wednesday on 105.9 The X. “They wouldn’t want just draft picks in return. They want a player. They want a (Pat) Freiermuth or whatever it is that the Steelers could give up. They want a player and picks. From what I’ve heard, the Steelers have only (offered) picks. … If there are no players involved, I think from a 49ers perspective, the deal is dead.”

Freiermuth is a curious option for San Francisco. George Kittle is under contract through 2025, and though he has plenty more tread on the tires than the 25-year-old, the 49ers wouldn’t have to fork over any cash for at least a couple seasons. Freiermuth is entering a contract year, meaning his addition would add yet another decently sized contract to their ever-growing list.

Minkah Fitzpatrick, Nick Herbig and Alex Highsmith were also mentioned as options, but Herbig is the only player who could conceivably be moved in such a deal. Pittsburgh likely has no interest, though.

The New England Patriots and Washington Commanders have both pulled out of the race, but with the Steelers seeing the price continuously rise, a deal that seemed like a sure thing might be on hold for a while.

More NFL: Quarterback Justin Fields To Start Preseason Opener For Steelers