With the 2024 NFL Draft drawing near, the Pittsburgh Steelers are faced with a dilemma at wide receiver. Diontae Johnson was traded to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for Donte Jackson, a cornerback, since he was no longer accepted in the locker room. As the draft draws near, George Pickens is the only elite receiver on the depth chart, and nobody is certain who will start opposite him in the new campaign. Trade rumors are been circulating, particularly in relation to San Francisco 49ers rookie sensation Brandon Aiyuk.
Although 49ers general manager John Lynch angrily denied that the team was considering Aiyuk, it is unlikely that the wideout will sign the lucrative deal he is seeking with San Francisco. In professional sports, it’s become common practice to observe when a player unfollows his current team on social media. Not so long ago, Aiyuk sent a message.
Let the contract games begin. Brandon Aiyuk has unfollowed the #49ers on Instagram. pic.twitter.com/hzVRLXRZeF
— Clayton Holloway (@HollowayNFLN) April 12, 2024
Whatever you may think of it, Aiyuk is obviously not happy with the 49ers. Though a little naive, the fixation people have on social media unfollows indicates that any particular athlete isn’t happy with the state of affairs. It appears that there is a growing likelihood that Aiyuk will be traded. His value may also erode as the days pass and he keeps hinting at a wish to move on.
Any opposing defense would be terrified of Pickens and Aiyuk together. Although San Francisco hasn’t made it clear that it wants to sell Aiyuk away, Pittsburgh will be among the teams hoping to get him should that be the 49ers’ intention. If wide receiver Omar Khan of the Steelers wants to be the number two pick in the draft, he would be taking a major chance.
It would be naive to believe that Khan would split from Johnson and hope that someone like Calvin Austin III, Van Jefferson, or Quez Watkins would take over as the number two player. Furthermore, nobody is a guarantee to thrive at the professional level right away, regardless of how talented the draft pool may be. Because of this, a blockbuster acquisition by the Steelers is definitely possible.
Although tight ends will be used and the ball will be run by new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, it is difficult for an NFL offense to succeed with only one key wide receiver. Making a significant trade for someone like Aiyuk might instantly elevate Pittsburgh to the status of an AFC contender. Given the recent renovations to the quarterback room and the fact that wide receiver is one of the team’s primary needs, Khan taking a proactive stance and calling Lynch would be the best move.
Draft Night Is Possibly When The Steelers Trade For Aiyuk
If it makes sense, Pittsburgh and Khan may choose to trade back in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Getting additional selections might aid in assembling the ideal bundle for a man such as Aiyuk. Conversely, the fact that he unfollowed the 49ers on social media recently may indicate that a deal is imminent. The upcoming weeks will be quite exciting since one of San Francisco’s most dynamic playmakers may have to leave the city and end up in Steel City.
If the price is right, do you want to see Aiyuk sign with the Steelers?