Analyst Predicts Steelers Trade Package for Brandon Aiyuk
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers are believed to still be in the running for a splash trade to end their list of offseason additions. As they approach the NFL Draft, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac said it's not time to rule out a final move. Bleacher Report believes the same thing and decided to predict the package the team would give up for a star wide receiver.
In their proposed trade, Bleacher Report has the Steelers sending their first-round (pick 20) and third-round (pick 98) to San Francisco in exchange for Aiyuk and a fourth-round pick (132nd overall). Next would be the question about a long-term extension.
Aiyuk's expected contract is in the realm of $30 million per season with whomever he signs with. That deal would take effect next season, but would jack up Pittsburgh's salary cap and leave them with minimum cap space while having to make decisions on several players, including their two quarterbacks.
"I’m trying to get what I deserve. I felt like this season, playing football, I figured out who I was as a person, as a player, what I bring to the table, what I bring to a locker room, what I bring to an organization and just the value I hold when I walk into that building because people are gonna follow me because I’ve done it the right way since I’ve been in that building," Aiyuk told the NightCap Podcast about his deal. "From the first day I walked in there, to when I was in there early this morning, I’ve done it the right way… Like I said, I can’t get into it, we got professionals working on both sides, so hopefully we can come to a professional agreement."
The Steelers are believed to be in the market for one more "significant" trade, which leads many to believe Aiyuk remains on their radar. With this package, it's not impossible, and really, the big question would come with his contract.