Pittsburgh Steelers fans seem to be fully committed to an industry for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. But does the organization agree?
Two NFL experts submitted conflicting reports on Aug. 6.
“I don’t expect Pittsburgh to be a touchdown place at all,” ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter said on The Pat McAfee Show on Aug. 6. “I think Pittsburgh, like many groups, has proven this. Here’s how much I’d charge the 49ers. Here’s what I’d charge Brandon Aiyuk. . . Inevitably, with max groups, it’s not going to work.
“A deal with Brandon Aiyuk will be very difficult to close.
If a team wants to reach a deal, they will have to meet the demands of the 49ers and Aiyuk.
It may only be in an hour or it may not happen at all” ~ @AdamSchefter #PMSLive
Nearly two hours later, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport refuted Schefter’s update on Inside Training Camp Live.
“I sense there are active discussions about the industry between the San Francisco 49ers and various teams,” Rapoport began. “I sense that the Pittsburgh Steelers have had conversations with the 49ers about a conceivable industry for Brandon Aiyuk. In fact, they are there right now.
He also recalled that the Steelers are one of “several” interested groups in industry talks with San Francisco, confirming the Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots as two other contenders. The remaining bidders have been revealed at this time.
However, this – “of course, right now” – is a clear departure from Schefter.
NFL Network pundit Mike Garafolo sided with his colleague Rapoport shortly after, reporting that “no [team] was out” of the search for Aiyuk as of Aug. 6, adding the Steelers.
In a break at 3:02 p. m. EST on August 6, Schefter adjusted his stance on the Steelers and Aiyuk.
“The Steelers and 49ers resumed talks at midday regarding Brandon Aiyuk, according to league sources,” he reported. “On Monday night, talks between the 49ers and Steelers were at a standstill. But there were other discussions in a still fluid scenario that also affects other groups.
NFL insider Josina Anderson also added: “I’m told they’re working on it. There’s a lot of back and forth,” regarding the Steelers and 49ers.
It turns out that everyone now that Pittsburgh has joined the industry discussions about Aiyuk.
Schefter and Rapoport’s updates came a day after a last-minute report, courtesy of the 49ers, beat journalist Matt Maiocco and NBC Sports on Aug. 5.
“The 49ers have negotiated the framework for trades that would send wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk to the Cleveland Browns or the New England Patriots,” a league source told NBC Sports Bay Area on Monday night. Adding: “It is now up to Aiyuk whether he will accept the contract terms of any of those franchises,” the source said.
Later in the article, Maiocco talked about the Steelers. Stating: “[Washington’s] commanders have withdrawn from industry negotiations for Aiyuk, and the Steelers are no longer an option after refusing to meet the 49ers’ industry demands,” he said.
He also noted that “the 49ers would likely get a veteran receiver and a set of draft picks from the Browns or Patriots. “
Rapoport said the Browns and Patriots are “certainly further along” in getting a deal done than the Steelers did on Aug. 6.
Maiocco included veteran receivers Amari Cooper (Browns) and Kendrick Bourne (Patriots) as players who would likely be included if Aiyuk was optioned to either franchise.
In the case of the Steelers, FanDuel has introduced an industry in which Calvin Austin III would be the Steelers’ recipient that accompanies an allocation capital package. The fantasy sports site included a 2025 moment circular and a third 2026 circular across Austin to win Aiyuk.
“Who said no in this industry between the 49ers and Pittsburgh?They asked their fans on August 5.
The Steelers have fewer veteran features that they can simply integrate into an Aiyuk trade. Austin is one and Van Jefferson the other.
After all, one would assume that George Pickens is untouchable. And beyond the three, the Steelers’ remaining receivers are rookies (Roman Wilson) or nowhere near the caliber of Cooper and Bourne (Scotty Miller, Quez Watkins, Dez Fitzpatrick). .
Aiyuk has expressed interest in joining the Steelers if Pittsburgh and San Francisco can reach an agreement.