Why Steelers should, shouldn't trade for WR Brandon Aiyuk

Whether you think they do or don't look alike (they do) isn't the point. However, should the Steelers be seriously interested in a trade for Aiyuk?

The quick answer is yes, but here is why Pittsburgh should and shouldn't trade for the former No. 25 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Should

Glaring need: After trading Johnson to Carolina, the Steelers don't have a clear No. 2 wide receiver to complement George Pickens. If they add Aiyuk to the mix, he may even overtake Pickens as the team's No. 1.

Outside of Pickens, Calvin Austin III and Van Jefferson are Pittsburgh's only realistic options at wide receiver. It must make a splash for a difference-maker, and Aiyuk certainly fits the bill.

Better with age: Aiyuk has increased his total receiving yards in every season of his young NFL career. His best season came in 2023 when he posted a career-high 1,342 receiving yards on 75 catches.

There may be no other team better at drafting and developing receivers than the Steelers, but if they're trying to win now, making a play for an already-established talent like Aiyuk makes a lot of sense.

Shouldn't

Trade package: It's unknown what it will take to acquire Aiyuk, but many believe San Francisco would need a first-round pick and a lesser established playmaker.

That would be equivalent to Pittsburgh's 2024 first-round pick (No. 20) and Austin III, a fourth-round pick in 2022. Most would be quick to take that deal, but the Steelers have needs at center and right tackle that they must address, too, and their first-round pick could help with one of those positions.

Of course, if general manager Omar Khan can work some magic and bring that price down, then it's a no-brainer, but that's a big if.

Long-term cost: Not only will it cost Pittsburgh high draft capital and maybe a player to obtain Aiyuk, but it will also cost the team a large portion of its salary cap space.

The 26-year-old is due for a new contract after the 2024 season and Spotrac projects he deserves a four-year, $96 million contract ($24M per year).

If Aiyuk continues accumulating seasons like he has, he'd be worth every penny. The Steelers must decide if they're willing to part with their first-round pick, a player, and about $24 million per year for the next three or four years.