Steelers Unfortunately Won’t Be Trading For All-Pro Wide Receiver

The Brandon Aiyuk saga has finally ended, but unfortunately, it did not end well for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

For what has seemed to be forever, the Steelers have been linked to San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Aiyuk was looking for a massive extension and the 49ers were unwilling to sign him to a big deal. Pittsburgh was the known front-runner for the star receiver, with a deal reportedly being made, although nothing was finalized.

The 49ers reportedly wanted a receiver in return as part of a trade deal which the Steelers could not offer. After waiting weeks to see if they would land Aiyuk, the Steelers missed out as the 49ers signed Aiyuk to a long-term extension according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo.

“The #49ers are not trading star WR Brandon Aiyuk — he’s staying in SF with a massive extension, per me and @MikeGarafolo. Aiyuk is getting a front-loaded 4-year deal worth $120M — done by @RyanWilliamsA1 of @AthletesFirst. And yes, Aiyuk will now practice,” Rapoport reported.

Now that Aiyuk is staying in San Francisco, the Steelers will likely look to pivot and look for wide receiver help elsewhere. There are receiver options out there that Pittsburgh could target including John Metchie of the Houston Texans and Tim Patrick.

The Steelers’ receiving core is headlined by George Pickens and Van Jefferson, with Roman Wilson and Calvin Austin behind them. Pittsburgh is in a good position to make a deep run with their offseason additions but needs receiving help. Before their Week 1 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons there are still players Pittsburgh may target.

More NFL: Steelers May Use Packages, Plays Designed For Justin Fields