The possibility of the Steelers using George Pickens and Brandon Aiyuk as targets for Russell Wilson and/or Justin Fields, and possibly finding a future replacement, is still open. However, as of Saturday morning, it is not the most likely outcome.
According to ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler, the Steelers are currently a backup option, with the 49ers having a slight edge to extend the wide receiver. This situation has changed from being a close decision between Pittsburgh and San Francisco to favoring the 49ers.
Fowler mentions that league executives expect the 49ers to extend Aiyuk, based on recent developments. Since the trade parameters were confirmed on Tuesday, the focus has shifted to the 49ers working on this extension, though the details of what the Steelers are willing to trade are unclear.
Aiyuk has been attending 49ers meetings and talking with teammates during his hold-in. John Lynch said on Friday that the goal is still to extend Aiyuk, who is a second-team All-Pro.
The 49ers allowed Aiyuk’s representatives to discuss terms with other teams, leading to offers from the Patriots and Browns. The Commanders, who were also interested at one point because they have former Aiyuk College QB Jayden Daniels, are no longer considered part of the mix.
The choice between the 49ers and Steelers has been possible for Aiyuk’s long-term future, but San Francisco still needs to complete some important steps to finalize the deal.
Aiyuk has not yet been pressured to sign because, as Fowler notes, some contract demands have not been met.
Issues with guarantees and when they take effect might be causing the delay. Aiyuk had previously aimed for A.J. Brown’s $84 million guarantee number, and with the Bears giving D.J. Moore $82.6 million in total guarantees, Aiyuk has more leverage in the negotiations.
The fifth-year receiver has been linked to seeking an average annual value (AAV) in the $30 million range, while the 49ers had earlier offered $26-$27 million per year.
The 49ers have increased their offer, and Fowler suggests that the $30 million figure, or something close to it, is likely the final target. The Steelers are thought to have proposed around $28 million per year to Aiyuk.
With the 49ers showing continued interest in keeping Aiyuk and avoiding a trade, the Steelers find themselves in an uncertain position. As their effort to trade for Aiyuk seems less promising, the Steelers might need to find an alternative plan to support Pickens.
Currently, Van Jefferson — who has had one season with over 400 yards in four tries — is seen as the team’s main in-house WR2 option, according to Mike DeFabo of The Athletic.
This has been the trend since Pittsburgh’s offseason program. Third-round pick Roman Wilson is another option, but he has missed some camp time due to injury.
It will be interesting to see if the Steelers look for another receiver as a backup plan, especially if the 49ers end up extending Aiyuk.
