Despite adding big names at quarterback like Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, the Steelers’ passing attack this year will still depend on their wide receiving corps. After trading away Diontae Johnson and watching Allen Robinson depart in free agency, Pittsburgh has been on a search for another veteran receiver to pair with budding star George Pickens, per Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. 
It’s not like the Steelers haven’t addressed the position since Johnson and Robinson’s departures. The team has added experienced receivers like Van Jefferson and Quez Watkins, but despite strong sophomore campaigns from both players, neither has shown the ability to be a consistent, reliable supporting wide receiver. Perhaps Pittsburgh plans to return Cordarrelle Patterson to his wide receiver roots, but more likely, the team will continue looking to add an experienced veteran.
We’ve seen the Steelers kick the tires on plenty of such free agents so far this offseason. They brought in division-rival Tyler Boyd, who played at nearby Pitt in college, but are reportedly out of the running after making a disappointing offer. The team also brought in former Chargers veteran Mike Williams, who could’ve worked well alongside Pickens after spending years as WR2 behind Keenan Allen, but Williams ultimately landed with Aaron Rodgers and the Jets.
Now, Dulac reports that we can add Brandon Aiyuk to that list of veteran wideouts that have piqued the Steelers’ interest. Aiyuk is not a free agent, so this isn’t a situation in which Pittsburgh can host the 49ers receiver and evaluate him in person. Also, despite the two sides being far apart in extension negotiations, Aiyuk has not delivered a trade request to the 49ers. In fact, San Francisco is reportedly actively rebuffing trade inquiries from outside parties.
As much as the Steelers would like to lure Aiyuk to Pittsburgh, there’s only so much they can do without the 49ers deciding to relent and participate. Until then, Pittsburgh will have to continue taking swings elsewhere. Boyd remains available. As do free agents Hunter Renfrow, Odell Beckham Jr., Michael Gallup, and Michael Thomas. Several veteran names are sitting in free agency. The Steelers just need to determine if any are the right fit for their new-look offense.
Try to get Odell
Get boyd
No
$11mil cap space available.. good luck
the draft is loaded at WR. be chill
I think they’re doing due diligence, and I’d love Aiyuk… but if any team can strike gold drafting receivers on Days 2 and 3 of the draft, it’s Pittsburgh
If PIT is on the clock in round 1 and WR Brian Thomas Jr LSU is still available should the Steelers take him over an O-linemen?
No. Their needs on O-line where center and tackle are concerned overshadow everything else, really
Have to admit I’m somewhat shocked that after some incredible signings, they stopped short where a big time receiver was concerned
Compared to Aiyuk, Adams or Jefferson, none of the guys listed is the answer.
They need OL way more than WR. And Maybe CB too.
It’s a loaded draft. Something tells me that the Steelers and 49ers will both walk away with a nice WR room when April turns into May (trade or no trade).
49ers want a kings ransom for BA(and that’s because they have zero need or want to move him) but Pittsburgh doesn’t want to give much for him. Thats not exactly trade talks. There is smoke coming from somewhere, but it’s not from a fire. Somebody is just stirring the pot. The 49ers won’t move somebody just for the sake of moving him. They hold all the leverage on BA and on any team wanting him. This story has turned into way more than it is. Move along.
The question is whether to get something for Aiyuk now while reducing their cap or let him walk next year and maybe get a compensatory pick. They can’t pay a premium to yet another receiver with a substantial QB pay raise on the horizon.
They can still Franchise and trade next year.
BA’s agent has again shot down any trade rumors today so all this trade talk is nothing but crap.
If it’s crap, why are they interviewing college WRs before the draft?
Because Jennings probably won’t be a 49er after this season.
We said the same about Wilson and Fields. Someone was stirring the pot. And somehow, both made it here
Look, if the Steelers want Aiyuk they need to pay the price. Just do it already, with the same mindset that you had in making the moves you did a month ago
Better this guy than a Boyd or Beckham