The hottest talk surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason has been a trade for Brandon Aiyuk.
This week, the wide receiver became dissatisfied and unfollowed the San Francisco 49ers on social media, a clear indication that the ongoing talks for a long-term contract are not going well.
Removing a player’s affiliation with a team is similar to declaring oneself single and getting rid of all pictures of their partner, and it frequently results in a breakup.
The Steelers and their supporters really hope the courting doesn’t last that long, even though mandatory minicamp doesn’t begin until June.
For Aiyuk, what would Pittsburgh have to give up?
In his April 17 Q&A, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac stated, “I think what would be more likely is the Steelers giving up a future No. 2 choice and also swapping first-round picks.”
The Steelers need a top-tier veteran after surrendering their own in March to the Carolina Panthers; it may sound like a lot. It’s possible that Pittsburgh may select a receiver in the first or second round of the NFL draft with one of their picks, thus it makes sense to exchange one pick for a player with experience. A rookie’s value is unknown outside of collegiate competition.
The question of what comes next will arise if the transaction falls through.
In a perfect world, San Francisco would pay all or part of Aiyuk’s $14 million salary for this season. He wouldn’t need to be extended by Pittsburgh this summer, but because he’s about to enter his last year of contract, they probably should. Aiyuk’s market value is $24.9 million, based on Spotrac, which seems to be the low end of the total.
Despite being only 26 years old, Aiyuk has already amassed incredible stats over the last two seasons (2,357 yards, 15 touchdowns). He will be available for one or two contracts.
Even if it’s not to the San Francisco 49ers, Aiyuk is worthwhile.