The Pittsburgh Brandon Aiyuk Steelers were very close to acquiring star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. They had been pursuing him for months, with the strongest attempt happening during the 2024 NFL Draft. Despite all efforts, the deal never went through. Instead, Aiyuk signed a four-year, $120 million contract extension with the San Francisco 49ers.
According to NFL insider Jay Glazer, the trade was nearly completed before Aiyuk made a last-minute decision. The 49ers had been in a contract standoff with their star receiver. With no resolution in sight, the team decided to send him to Pittsburgh. However, the deal collapsed when Aiyuk made an unexpected visit to the 49ers’ facility that morning.
How the Trade Almost Happened
Glazer revealed the behind-the-scenes details on Fox Sports: NFL. He stated that on the same day the 49ers and Aiyuk agreed to a new deal, the team had already been finalizing a trade with the Steelers. The trade was practically done, but Aiyuk changed everything when he showed up at the 49ers’ facility early that day.
He had an important conversation with head coach Kyle Shanahan. During that conversation, Aiyuk expressed his desire to stay with the team. Shanahan quickly contacted the front office, which had been in the process of finalizing the trade. The 49ers’ management then paused the trade discussions and presented Aiyuk with one final choice.
The Final Ultimatum
San Francisco’s management reportedly gave Aiyuk two options:
- Accept the trade to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
- Sign the four-year, $120 million deal they had offered.
The decision had to be made by the end of practice that day. Aiyuk chose to stay in San Francisco and took the contract extension. His new deal gives him an average annual salary of $30 million, making him one of the highest-paid wide receivers in the league.
Brandon Aiyuk Steelers Performance and Role in San Francisco
Brandon Aiyuk has become one of the most important players for the 49ers. His performance has improved each season since he was drafted in 2020.
Statistical Growth:
- 2023 Season: 75 receptions, 1,342 receiving yards, 7 touchdowns.
- 2022 Season: 78 receptions, 1,015 receiving yards, 8 touchdowns.
- Career Total (Four Seasons): 269 receptions, 3,931 receiving yards, 26 touchdowns.
Aiyuk has developed into a key target for quarterback Brock Purdy. His ability to make big plays and gain yards after the catch has made him essential to San Francisco’s offense.
Steelers’ Long Pursuit of Aiyuk
The Steelers had been trying to trade for Aiyuk for a long time. They reportedly had discussions with the 49ers before and during the 2024 NFL Draft. The trade almost happened during that time, but nothing was finalized. Pittsburgh kept pushing, hoping to add Aiyuk to their roster before the 2024 season.
Aiyuk would have provided a massive boost to the Steelers’ offense. The team has been searching for a reliable number-one wide receiver, and Aiyuk fit that role perfectly. He would have been a top target for quarterback Russell Wilson, who joined the Steelers in the offseason. His ability to create separation and turn short passes into big plays made him an ideal fit for Pittsburgh’s system.
Despite coming so close, the Steelers ultimately missed out. They will now have to look elsewhere to strengthen their wide receiver group.
Why Aiyuk Chose to Stay
Aiyuk’s decision to remain with the 49ers wasn’t just about money. Reports suggest that he values his relationship with head coach Kyle Shanahan and quarterback Brock Purdy. The 49ers have been one of the best teams in the league, making deep playoff runs. Staying with a contender played a huge role in Aiyuk’s choice.
Additionally, San Francisco’s offense is built to maximize his skills. He thrives in Shanahan’s system, which emphasizes yards after the catch. Moving to Pittsburgh would have meant adjusting to a new offense, a new quarterback, and an entirely different playing style.
What This Means for the Steelers
The Steelers must now rethink their plans. They were banking on adding a top-tier receiver, and Aiyuk was their best option. Missing out on him means they may have to rely on their current wide receivers or explore other trade options before the deadline.
They still have talent at the position, but without Aiyuk, their offense lacks a proven number-one receiver. Pittsburgh’s front office will likely continue looking for upgrades as the season progresses.
Final Thoughts
Brandon Aiyuk Steelers near-trade to the Steelers will be remembered as one of the closest trade deals that never happened. The Steelers had their shot, and the trade was nearly done. But in the end, Aiyuk chose to stay with the 49ers. His last-minute visit to the team facility changed everything, and San Francisco locked him down with a massive contract.
For the Steelers, this was a big opportunity missed. For the 49ers, it was a major victory in keeping one of their best players. Now, both teams will move forward, but the “what if” will always remain.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why did Brandon Aiyuk decline the Steelers trade?
Aiyuk wanted to stay with the 49ers and had a strong relationship with Kyle Shanahan and Brock Purdy. He also received a four-year, $120 million contract offer, which made it an easy decision.
2. How close was the trade to being completed?
According to NFL insider Jay Glazer, the trade was nearly finalized before Aiyuk unexpectedly showed up at the 49ers’ facility. His visit led to a conversation with the head coach, which ultimately stopped the deal.
3. How much is Aiyuk’s new contract worth?
Brandon Aiyuk signed a four-year, $120 million contract extension with the 49ers. This deal gives him an annual salary of $30 million.
