PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Steelers have long tried to sign Brandon Aiyuk without giving up too much to the San Francisco 49ers, and as talks slowly calm down, the price for the All-Pro receiver has been announced.
According to NBC Sports’ Matt Maiocco, the 49ers are looking for a second- and third-round pick in exchange for their 26-year-old star, or they would like a veteran wide receiver in return. The report suggests the Steelers have not made an offer yet, and the next question is: Will they?
“Aiyuk has been the 49ers’ best player in receptions and receiving yards over the past two seasons. The 49ers have only been inclined to trade Aiyuk if they can get an experienced receiver in return,” Maiocco writes. “That’s why they are negotiating hard with the Steelers, but never ruling out the possibility that Aiyuk could stay with the 49ers.”
The Steelers have no need to sign Aiyuk, and given the roughly $30 million per year transfer fee he costs, they may not be willing to budge on their offer. There remains optimism that Aiyuk will end up in Pittsburgh, but there is also a lot of uncertainty.
According to recent reports from NFL Network, the 49ers and Aiyuk met to discuss their intentions and have since begun negotiations for the first time since the spring. While that doesn’t guarantee a deal will happen, it seems like the clock is ticking for the Steelers to make adjustments to their current offer.
How this situation plays out is still completely uncertain, but as the preseason progresses, it’s uncertain on several fronts. For now, the Steelers have an idea of what they’re willing to give up. The next step is whether they and the 49ers can find common ground and agree on a deal that both are happy with.
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