NFL rumors are a big part of every offseason, and sometimes those rumors can be proven true. However, there are many times when rumors take on a life of their own — including, most recently, the proposed trade of San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.
Aiyuk recently unfollowed the 49ers organization on social media, which kickstarted the trade rumor mill. Despite many reports coming out that inferred Aiyuk’s social media decision could mean a trade is imminent, his agent immediately refuted those reports.
Even though Aiyuk’s agent Ryan Williams basically shot down trade talks, the internet is keeping this trend going. The rumor that Aiyuk could be traded has now reached betting sites.
Betting sites often present odds on where players can land, and the latest odds have Aiyuk heading to an AFC contender. That contender is the Pittsburgh Steelers, who lead the pack with 2-to-1 odds, according to BetOnline by way of MLFootball’s X page.
Aiyuk and the Steelers would make a lot of sense, especially considering the Steelers are in the market for a wide receiver. George Pickens is the team’s only true starter at the wide receiver position. Pickens secured 1,140 yards and 5 TDs in 2023, even after having to catch passes from subpar quarterbacks. The Steelers were using a combination of Mitch Trubisky, Kenny Pickett, and Mason Rudolph. Despite all three showing flashes of brilliance, the quarterback situation for the team was far from ideal.
The next most successful wide receiver for the Steelers was Diontae Johnson, who secured 717 yards and 5 TDs. Johnson was traded to the Carolina Panthers in March. There is a significant dropoff from Johnson, as the next successful receiver on the team was running back Jaylen Warren, who had 370 yards.
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The Steelers needed a wide receiver but also needed a quarterback, which they addressed with two big signings. General manager Omar Khan immediately signed former Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson and traded for former Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields.
With Wilson and Fields leading the quarterback room, Pittsburgh has a much better passer situation for the 2024 season. They just need to add some solid wide receiver talent. The Steelers had been connected to Cincinnati Bengals receiver Tee Higgins, but he has since come out and stated he expects to play with the Bengals.
Khan has showcased that he is not afraid to make moves, and should he make some calls about acquiring Aiyuk from the 49ers. Even with Aiyuk’s agent denying the rumors completely, there is plenty of time for a deal to be made.
Naturally, the 49ers don’t want to lose any talent from their near Super Bowl-winning roster, but they could still consider moving on from Aiyuk to stack more draft capital.
In the end, Aiyuk is a star and is likely to stay put. His 1,342 yards and 7 TDs are nothing to scoff at, and San Francisco letting him go for anything besides a haul of draft picks would be silly.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.