Steelers Reportedly ‘Came Closest’ To Acquiring 49ers Star Brandon Aiyuk

The Pittsburgh Steelers certainly tried to get a major trade done this summer.

Pittsburgh is in a good spot heading into the 2024 National Football League season and should be better than it was last year. The Steelers won 10 games last season and now are even better on paper.

The Steelers attempted to get an even bigger upgrade but just missed out. Pittsburgh upgraded its quarterback position by acquiring both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. The Steelers attempted to bolster their wide receiver room as well by acquiring San Francisco 49ers star receiver Brandon Aiyuk.

Ayiuk was in the news for weeks as he requested a trade from San Francisco. He was looking for a massive new contract and it didn’t seem like the 49ers would oblige. Pittsburgh continuously was linked to him and “came closest” to acquiring him, according to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer.

“The Steelers came closest to acquiring Aiyuk,” Breer said. “They refused to give up a current player but were willing to part with second-and third-round picks. The interesting thing is the money wasn’t as good with the Steelers, who didn’t want to go past what T.J. Watt makes ($28 million APY) and as such offered Aiyuk $27.7 million APY. The Niners made calls to about a dozen teams to see if they could flip the third-rounder somewhere else to land a veteran receiver to replace Aiyuk in the lineup.”

Aiyuk would’ve been a nice addition to the Steelers’ offense, but San Francisco ultimately decided to give him a large extension. The Steelers are in good shape heading into the new campaign despite not landing Aiyuk. If they still want to add another receiver, they likely could ahead of the trade deadline this fall if they are in playoff contention.

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