When the Pittsburgh Steelers traded Diontae Johnson, they opened up a brand new can of worms. Not solely did this staff have main wants at heart, cornerback, and offensive deal with, however we are able to now add huge receiver to the combo.
Due to this, NFL Draft analysts have been busy mocking huge receivers to Pittsburgh within the first spherical. It is not onerous to see why. In the meanwhile, George Pickens is the one high quality choice on the staff, and the depth is arguably as unhealthy as any staff within the NFL. The Steelers will want a beginning receiver to pair with him in 2024.
Pittsburgh’s formal conferences on the NFL Mix counsel vital curiosity on their half. Omar Khan and firm met with high receiver prospects like Rome Odunze, Adonai Mitchell, Brian Thomas, Keon Coleman, and Xavier Legette.
Since this staff traded for QB Justin Fields, new Steelers commerce rumors are swirling — this time across the huge receiver place.
On March nineteenth, Andrew Fillipponi of 93.7 The Fan claims that sources inform him the Steelers have appeared into buying and selling for 49ers star receiver, Brandon Aiyuk.
Aiyuk performed 4 years on his rookie contract and is about to play on the fifth-year choice throughout the 2024 season. As a result of he’s nonetheless beneath contract, the Steelers must execute a sign-and-trade deal — just like what the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs are open to doing with CB L’Jarius Sneed.
I completely imagine that Brandon Aiyuk is without doubt one of the greatest receivers within the NFL in as we speak’s sport. Following the 2023 season, you’ll be able to definitely make a case that he is a top-5 receiver within the league. Aiyuk earned a whopping 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns on an outrageous 12.8 yards per goal, per Professional Soccer Reference.
Regardless of being probably the most environment friendly receiver within the league on paper, this choice can be extremely pricey for the Steelers.
That is what we name the double intestine punch. Not solely would the Steelers must commerce their first-round choose for Aiyuk, however they might then want to show round and make him one of many highest-paid receivers within the NFL.
After an exceptional first 4 seasons within the league, Aiyuk’s common annual earnings are more likely to are available across the $30 million per 12 months mark. Whereas I can get behind this commerce for a staff in the correct state of affairs, the Steelers aren’t shut sufficient to being Tremendous Bowl contenders at this level to make this commerce value their whereas.
The San Francisco 49ers may find yourself buying and selling Brandon Aiyuk this offseason, however the price is simply too nice for the Pittsburgh Steelers to be consumers — even with an infinite want on the huge receiver place.