Steelers Trading For Elite WR Brandon Aiyuk Gains New Steam After John Lynch's Questionable Comments

Pittsburgh Steelers star wide receiver, George Pickens is still in need of a formidable presence to play opposite of him in the upcoming 2024 regular season. This has become a huge area of need for the franchise since the franchise traded Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers earlier this offseason. The organization is poised to make several moves in the coming weeks, including the clear possibility of multiple pass-catchers being selected in the 2024 NFL Draft. Rumors have swirled about General Manager Omar Khan making a significant move to trade for top-end talent, such as the San Francisco 49ers' star-in-the-making, Brandon Aiyuk. The likelihood of that occurring is certainly beginning to tip in Steelers fans' favor.

49ers General Manager John Lynch recently shut down the idea of San Francisco trading Aiyuk, but that easily could have been a smokescreen. Lynch spoke to the media on Monday and certainly had a change of tone when discussing Aiyuk's future in Golden Gate City. 

"Our wish is that he's here and a part of the Niners for the rest of his career. We're working through that, as such. You know, I was a player once and I never liked my business being out in the public, and so I'm going to respect that. I'm not going to speak for their side."

The general manager was continuously pressed about Aiyuk, and had several more comments to make about the young wideout who has already been named an AP All-Pro. Lynch mentioned good conversations that were ongoing, but didn't specify.

"Can say we're having good talks and I'm just going to leave it at that," Lynch said.

The Steelers need a starting-caliber wideout to pair with George Pickens. It would be rather risky to rely on the draft for that number two guy, which has left tons of speculation about the prospect of Aiyuk coming to the Steel City via trade.

A reporter joked around about Lynch and Aiyuk communicating via emojis, and the head of the 49ers' front office laughed, but didn't want to spend too much time on the question.

"We communicate well, and we love the guy, so thank you."

Aiyuk's participation in voluntary offseason activities was also brought up. According to Lynch, the dynamic wideout has decided not to show up to the franchise's facilities in recent weeks.

"He has not. He's not here right now, no."

The plot continues to thicken for San Francisco. It might not be the Steelers that are actively pursuing Aiyuk, but there isn't a doubt that he could be on the move before, or during, the 2024 NFL Draft. Depending on how things are being looked at internally for the 49ers, the asking price for the wide receiver may be slightly dropping if Aiyuk isn't interested in continuing with the team that drafted him.

Steelers Fans Given Hope That Aiyuk Trade Is Still On The Table

It gotten even more interesting when Lynch side-stepped a question about him receiving calls regarding Aiyuk's availability. He gave a basic answer, but certainly insinuated that the wideout could absolutely be available.

"Sure. We receive calls about a lot of players... I"m not gonna get in to all those details. We're really focused on [Brandon Aiyuk] being a part of us. He's under contract and we're looking forward to that."

There is plenty of speculation that surrounds draft week, but the 49ers don't seem inclined to ink Aiyuk to a long-term deal. Lynch's comments could be trying to drive the price of the wideout through the roof, but make no mistake, Lynch is open for business and the Steelers could be the perfect fit for Aiyuk to spend the next few years of his career, at the very least.

Are you open to Pittsburgh trading for Aiyuk?