The Pittsburgh Steelers have been very active on the trade market during the 2024 NFL offseason. They traded quarterback Kenny Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles and shortly after acquired quarterback Justin Fields from the Chicago Bears to take his place.
Arguably the biggest trade that they made was with the Carolina Panthers. The Steelers sent wide receiver Diontae Johnson and a seventh-round pick to Carolina in exchange for cornerback Donte Jackson and a sixth-round pick.
Pittsburgh needed a cornerback and will fill that void with Jackson, who has been solid in his six seasons with the Panthers. Alas, that deal has created another void on the roster, as the team requires some wide receiver depth.
NFL News & Rumors: Brandon Aiyuk & Pittsburgh Steelers Updates
Along with Johnson being traded, the Steelers released veteran Allen Robinson earlier in the offseason. After No. 1 receiver George Pickens, that leaves Calvin Austin as the next most productive wide receiver on the team. Last season, he caught only 17 passes for 180 yards and one touchdown.
A fourth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Steelers will likely have bigger plans for Austin in 2024. But, the team still needs to add some more talent to the depth chart for this offseason to click.
The 2024 NFL Draft could certainly present them with a chance to do so. But, they could also hit the trade market for an established player to pair with Pickens. One such player could be Brandon Aiyuk of the San Francisco 49ers.
According to Andrew Fillipponi of 93.7 The Fan Pittsburgh, the Steelers are one team that has looked into trading for Aiyuk this offseason. Entering the final season of his rookie deal, any trade the Steelers may make with the 49ers would be a sign and trade, as Aiyuk would be seeking an extension.
NFL News & Rumors: Brandon Aiyuk & Pittsburgh Steelers Updates
Aiyuk would be an excellent addition to this Steelers offense. He has proven to have the tools to be a true No. 1 receiver in the NFL, taking pressure off of Pickens to fill that role by himself. However, it won’t be cheap to acquire him.
The 49ers reportedly asked the Jacksonville Jaguars in trade talks for Zay Jones and the No. 17 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft in exchange for Aiyuk. The going rate in recent years for wide receivers of that caliber is a first-round pick along with either a player or Day 2 selection.
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