trade. However, Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport identified Pittsburgh as one of six clubs that should make an intriguing trade offer to the San Francisco 49ers for wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.
Davenport advocated that the Steelers trade their 2024 first and third-round picks to the 49ers for the 2023 second-team All-Pro wideout.
“Aiyuk is a better and more proven option than anyone who will be on the board when pick No. 20 rolls around,” Davenport said in a statement. “He and George Pickens would make a strong tandem at the position.
The Steelers’ interest in Aiyuk is understandable.
While the Steelers have signed Van Jefferson and Quez Watkins since dealing away Johnson, the two wideouts combined for only 351 receiving yards in 2023.
On April 2, Pro Football Focus’ Brad Spielberger stated that even with Jefferson and Watkins, the Steelers lack a starter receiver opposite Pickens, as well as a No. 3 wideout.
With Aiyuk, the Steelers would acquire one of the best receivers available this offseason. As Davenport pointed out, Aiyuk and Pickens would be a formidable combination.
Aiyuk averaged 17.9 yards per reception, but Pickens led the NFL with 18.1 yards per catch in 2023.
Aiyuk would take the Steelers’ receiver room from one of the weakest in the NFL to one of the finest. But it would come at a high cost.
In addition to needing a starting receiver, the Steelers do not currently have a center on their roster. The team could also improve at offensive tackle and cornerback.
Khan might focus his attention on West Virginia center Zach Frazier. However, Frazier may not be on the Steelers’ draft board when they choose in the second round at No. 51 overall.
The Steelers’ lack of any other starting center options in the draft, combined with the limited center market in free agency, makes it difficult to envision them trading two top picks for Aiyuk.
