The Pittsburgh Steelers have a dilemma when it comes to the wide receiver position as the 2024 NFL Draft quickly approaches. Diontae Johnson was no longer welcomed in the locker room which led to him getting dealt to the Carolina Panthers for cornerback help (Donte Jackson). George Pickens is the only top-notch receiver on the depth chart as the draft approaches and no one is quite sure who will be opposite of him when the new season kicks off. Now trade rumors are swirling, specifically surrounding young superstar Brandon Aiyuk from the San Francisco 49ers.
At the end of March, 49ers General Manager John Lynch vehemently shut down the idea that that organization was shopping Aiyuk, but the wideout isn’t expected to receive the big contract he is looking for from San Francisco. It has become a popular thing in professional sports to notate when a player unfollows the current franchise he is playing for on social media. Aiyuk just recently sent a message.
Let the contract games begin. Brandon Aiyuk has unfollowed the #49ers on Instagram. pic.twitter.com/hzVRLXRZeF
— Clayton Holloway (@HollowayNFLN) April 12, 2024
Take it as you will, but Aiyuk is clearly unhappy with the 49ers. The obsession people have with social media unfollows is a bit naive, but historically, proves that any given player isn’t pleased with the current situation. It seems as if the prospect of Aiyuk being traded is becoming increasingly more likely. As the days goes by and he continues to point at a desire to move on, his value may diminish too.
A combination of Pickens and Aiyuk would be scary for any opposing defense. It hasn’t necessarily been out in the open that San Francisco is actively looking to trade Aiyuk away, but Pittsburgh will be one of the frontrunners to land him if it is in the 49ers’ plans. Steelers General Manager Omar Khan would be taking a big risk if he wishes to draft a wide receiver to become the number two.
It would be foolish for one to think that Khan would part ways with Johnson and expect, with all due respect, Calvin Austin III, Van Jefferson or Quez Watkins to step in as the number two guy. Additionally, it doesn’t matter how talented the draft pool may be; no one is a guarantee to immediately succeed at the professional level. That’s why the Steelers making a blockbuster move is a definitive possibility.
New Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith will run the ball and use tight ends, but it’s hard for any NFL offense to excel with just one significant wide receiver. Making a big move for someone like Aiyuk could immediately turn Pittsburgh to a legitimate contender in the AFC. With a revamped quarterback room and one of the main offensive needs being at wide receiver, Khan getting aggressive and calling Lynch could absolutely be the right play.
Steelers Trading For Aiyuk Potentially Wouldn’t Occur Until Draft Night
Pittsburgh and Khan could decide to trade back in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft if it makes sense. Garnering more picks might help put together the proper package for a guy like Aiyuk. On the flip side, his recent unfollow of the 49ers on social media could hint at the fact that a deal might come sooner rather than later. The next couple of weeks will be very interesting as San Francisco could have to say goodbye to one of their most dynamic play-makers and he could end up in the Steel City.
