After the Big Chiefs trade, Brandon Aiyuk’s trade price with the Steelers could rise.
Rumors have been circulating recently about the Pittsburgh Steelers’ possible interest in acquiring L’Jarius Sneed, the former great cornerback for the Kansas City Chiefs. But conjecture or not, no deal happened, primarily because of the Steelers’ alleged unwillingness to accommodate Sneed’s budgetary demands. The Steelers probably turned their focus to improving their offense, where investments are needed, especially at the wide receiver position, since they already had one of the most expensive defenses in the league on their roster.
The NFL landscape has been rocked by the recent trade of Sneed from the Chiefs to the Tennessee Titans. The information came from ESPN’s reliable insider Adam Schefter, who revealed that Kansas City agreed to acquire the gifted cornerback in exchange for a 2024 seventh-round draft pick and a 2025 third-round pick. Earlier in the offseason, the team had previously designated Sneed as a non-exclusive franchise.
Trade: Chiefs are finalizing a deal to send franchise CB L’Jarius Snead to the Titans, per league sources.
Chiefs are expected to receive a 2025 3rd-round pick, in addition to a 2024 7th-round pick flop, while Snead will sign a new contract. Trade is pending physical for Sneed. pic.twitter.com/GWjyKAgxZq
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 23, 2024
The Steelers may gain from and be redirected toward pursuing Brandon Aiyuk, the outstanding wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers, as a result of the Sneed trade. Aiyuk, who is renowned for his explosive play-making skills, might give the Steelers the offensive firepower they need. But obtaining Aiyuk would be expensive; it might take a high draft pick—like a first-round pick—or a valued asset—like a second-rounder. Furthermore, the Steelers’ front staff would have to take into account an additional factor: the cost of hiring Aiyuk.
The Steelers need to carefully consider their options while taking into account the NFL’s competitive environment, budgetary restraints, and desire to improve their offensive arsenal. The Steelers’ pursuit of Aiyuk carries dangers as well as possible rewards, and it will be interesting to watch how they handle this developing scenario as they try to upgrade their offensive lineup.
The deal price for Sneed, which is a third-round pick in 2025 and a seventh-round pick in 2024, has drawn criticism because it was first thought that obtaining him would come at a much higher price. But the Titans will also have to pay a big price for Sneed’s contract, which probably played a role in the talks that preceded the deal.
According to reports, Sneed and the Titans had been in talks for a few weeks prior to reaching a consensus that resulted in the deal being completed. Now that this agreement is complete, it acts as a gauge for the prospective market worth of players like as Aiyuk, who demand high financial stakes in addition to draft capital.
The Sneed deal may provide the Steelers, who had been considering Aiyuk as a possible addition to their squad, a chance to take advantage of favorable market conditions. Given the precedent created by the Sneed transaction, the Steelers may consider making a more attractive trade offer to the 49ers in order to get the gifted wide receiver, possibly for less money than first thought. It will be interesting to watch how teams handle the shifting trade market and seize chances to bolster their rosters as the winter goes on.
The Sneed deal may provide the Steelers, who had been considering Aiyuk as a possible addition to their squad, a chance to take advantage of favorable market conditions. Given the precedent created by the Sneed transaction, the Steelers may consider making a more attractive trade offer to the 49ers in order to get the gifted wide receiver, possibly for less money than first thought. It will be interesting to watch how teams handle the shifting trade market and seize chances to bolster their rosters as the winter goes on.
The 2023 season was Aiyuk’s best opportunity to display his abilities. He caught 75 passes for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns, which was a major factor in the 49ers’ victory. The recent trade of Sneed, however, might have changed the odds of a trade agreement going the Steelers’ way and made Aiyuk a more appealing acquisition target.
The Steelers’ wide receiver group is one that Steeler Nation is excited to see develop in the upcoming weeks. The possibility of adding a player of Aiyuk’s caliber to their lineup as talks and negotiations continue might be a huge boost to the team’s hopes for the forthcoming campaign.