Steelers Could Benefit From Brandon Aiyuk And 49ers Being 'Nowhere Close' On New Deal

The Pittsburgh Steelers and General Manager Omar Khan have been enthralled in trade rumors for San Francisco 49ers star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk ever since he made it clear he wants a new deal. Aiyuk is looking to sign a multi-year extension before he plays on the last year of his rookie contract. Pittsburgh has an obvious need at receiver that they will likely look to fulfill during the 2024 NFL Draft; however, the best way to ensure an immediate contribution to their passing game could be by using some draft capital to acquire a proven professional like Aiyuk. 

Aiyuk made Second Team All-Pro during the 2023 NFL season, and out-performed his high profile counterpart Deebo Samuel who is currently on a three-year, $71.55 million contract. Aiyuk will be in the last year of his rookie deal in 2024 playing on his fifth-year option, but he wants to paid like the top end receiver he is. Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team reported on the likelihood of Aiyuk and San Francisco coming to terms on a big extension. 

"I would not say the San Francisco 49ers want to move Brandon Aiyuk, but the draft will be a critical pressure point in this saga. Aiyuk wants a top-market receiver contract, and the 49ers are nowhere close to that right now."

Aiyuk's current market value is set at $24.9 million per year according to Spotrac, with a projected extension looking like a four year agreement worth a total of $98.82 million which would currently make him the fifth-highest paid receiver in the NFL. Aiyuk will earn $14.12 million in 2024 with his option, but wants to set himself up for the long haul. 

A lot of movement in the NFL happens on draft night. Just recently, the Tennessee Titans decided to trade AJ Brown to the Philadelphia Eagles half way through the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Something similar could happen with Aiyuk and the 49ers, and the Steelers seem like they could be one of the best potential suitors. Meirov spoke more about the probability of Aiyuk being dealt, and what it means if he isn't out of San Francisco after night two of the draft.

"If they still have Aiyuk on the roster after Friday, that should signal they are confident they'll bridge the gap."

If the 49ers decide to keep Aiyuk past the second night of the draft, it's likely because they feel like they are gaining ground on agreeing to a new deal with Aiyuk. However, it could also be said that if San Francisco was serious about keeping Aiyuk in San Francisco for the long-term, they should want to get the deal done as soon as possible. 

Other stars like Justin Jefferson are also vying for a new contract and a new deal between Jefferson and the Minnesota Vikings would reset the wide receiver market. The NFL already saw Devonta Smith sign a three-year, $75 million deal - which certainly hurt the 49ers negotiating tactics as Aiyuk out-produced Smith in 2023. 

Steelers Would Need To Pay A High Price For Aiyuk

Pittsburgh would obviously need to fork over significant draft capital to acquire Aiyuk, but the more costly part of the deal would be extending him. The Steelers would need to take on the burden of getting Aiyuk to agree to a new contract, which would certainly be costly. Pittsburgh will need to pay Pat Freiermuth soon, and George Pickens becomes eligible for an extension after the 2024 season. Pittsburgh also has one of the cheapest quarterback rooms in the league, which isn't sustainable.

Pittsburgh needs to plan ahead when it comes to paying players. Which is exactly why bringing in a rookie receiver with a lot of potential, on a cheap rookie contract, might be more beneficial in the long-term for the organization.

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