Brandon Aiyuk

[Pabst]

Highsmith is a good player. Of all the younger players San Fran might be interested in, I believe he’s the most replaceable. JPJ and Benton are going nowhere. Obviously Pickens isn’t leaving. The only realistic option I could see happening, if San Fran wants a player, is Highsmith. The Niners won’t want Dan Moore or Najee. The Steelers won’t part with Broderick Jones.

Highsmith is the only guy I could see the Steelers parting with. Can’t think of anybody else.

That's a fair assessment from the Steelers' end. But as I said in a follow up post, I don't see why SF would want Highsmith. They're already set (and paying out the ass) at Edge rusher.

[anpsteel]

In regard to the Russell Wilson / Justin Fields competition-

Per DK, while lots of media are blowing Fields' camp performance, DK indicated a key component nobody is mentioning

Since the QBs cant be hit, Fields is still taking forever to deliver the ball- and his runs are also protected byt the no hitting the QB rule.

So, its probably a good idea to temper the excitement regarding his performance in camp, to date.

[K_C_]

The Steelers are rumored to have offered a 1st back in May. Take it FWIW from Retired Ricky.

I think the obvious guy to send back who fits a need for SF and who would be bearable to lose for PIT is Pat Freiermuth.

Freiermuth plus a 2nd or 3rd could get it done.

Freiermuth can’t stay on the field and the Niners already have a top 3 TE in the league.

If Freirmuth and a 2 or a 3 would get Aiyuk, that deal would have been done a long time ago.

I honestly think the hold up is the Steelers offering a 2 and the Niners want a 1. Something will happen (if no players are involved) where the Steelers give San Fran a 2 and a 4. Worst case scenario is a 2 and a 3 (hopefully the 3 is pushed out until 2026.)

Outside of Highsmith there isn’t a young player the Steelers would consider moving or one the Niners would want.

[Pabst]

In regard to the Russell Wilson / Justin Fields competition-

Per DK, while lots of media are blowing Fields' camp performance, DK indicated a key component nobody is mentioning

Since the QBs cant be hit, Fields is still taking forever to deliver the ball- and his runs are also protected byt the no hitting the QB rule.

So, its probably a good idea to temper the excitement regarding his performance in camp, to date.

You'd think that after last season Steeler fans would take camp/preseason performance by a QB with a grain of salt

[Stosh-67]

I virtually never agree with Mark Madden, but yesterday he was spot on. If you have to give up a first, do it. This guy makes our offense much better, and let Pickens go when the time comes and draft another receiver. If we give them the first (or even better, a second) plus Daniels, I would do it.

They can’t give up a first and they won’t. The QB situation is just too tenuous. We can have hope Russ Wilson has something left in the tank and that Justin Fields develops but neither taking place is a real possibility.

With Tomlin in charge, the Steelers are always teetering on the edge of disaster. This board would literally explode if THIS is the year Tomlin finally goes 4-13 and we don’t have a first round pick because we traded that pick for a wideout.

No way they give up a first. Just can’t happen.

Yup. do not give up a 1st.

[bradshaw2ben]

The Steelers are rumored to have offered a 1st back in May. Take it FWIW from Retired Ricky.

I think the obvious guy to send back who fits a need for SF and who would be bearable to lose for PIT is Pat Freiermuth.

Freiermuth plus a 2nd or 3rd could get it done.

Why would they want their 3rd TE in a trade? Muth to 49'ers does not make sense.

KITTLE, GEORGE
THOMAS, LOGAN
Willis, Brayden
Latu, Cameron
Tonges, Jake
SAUBERT, ERIC
Pline, Mason

It boils down to if you believe Logan Thomas or Willis are clear #2s. I'm not the biggest PF fan but he'd be easy to see as either a #2 with Kittle or as injury insurance against Kittle.

[Steeldrama]

I virtually never agree with Mark Madden, but yesterday he was spot on. If you have to give up a first, do it. This guy makes our offense much better, and let Pickens go when the time comes and draft another receiver. If we give them the first (or even better, a second) plus Daniels, I would do it.

They can’t give up a first and they won’t. The QB situation is just too tenuous. We can have hope Russ Wilson has something left in the tank and that Justin Fields develops but neither taking place is a real possibility.

With Tomlin in charge, the Steelers are always teetering on the edge of disaster. This board would literally explode if THIS is the year Tomlin finally goes 4-13 and we don’t have a first round pick because we traded that pick for a wideout.

No way they give up a first. Just can’t happen.

I'm trying to layoff twitter etc due to lack of reputable sources, but it is sounding like the Steelers are only bidding against themselves here.

Shouldn't have to give up the 1st rounder for my guy Aiyuk.

BUT

I'm beyond fine with it if they do get a difference maker like Aiyuk.

As for going 4-13???

Admittedly, there was a time that I wished hard for that exact kind of losing record to get rid of Tomlin.

Now?

Hell No

Trading for Aiyuk is an ALL IN move to not only make the playoffs but make a playoff run.

The Steelers 2nd half schedule is BRUTAL and of course injuries can decimate a season

BUT

I'm not losing my optimism

My positivity

With Aiyuk in the fold
A legit OC
A quality, young OL

The Steelers ARE a playoff team

Maaaaybeeee even a dangerous one

Give up the 1st...IF need be (I don't think it is at this point)

I too anxiously await the next great Steelers qb

Odds on finding that dude picking in the high 20's???

Ain't good

Anyway

Aiyuk or no Aiyuk

I myself am ALL IN on the Steelers this season.

4-13?

Ain't happening

No siree Bob

Not on Omar's watch!

Go Omar!
Go Russell!
Go Justin!!!
Go Najee!!!!
Go Uncle Artie!!!!!
Go Skenes!!!!!!
GO LIVVVVVY!!!!!!!!

[Ice]

Give em Muth and Dan Moore. Then they're forced to get their shit together with Jones and Fautanu (who apparently looked pretty, pretty good in some first team RT reps recently) and let 'em play. Other than the fact that Smith's offense is TE-centric, can't say I fear losing Freiermuth much. Throw in a 3rd or 4th after?

Muth gives the 9ers some depth behind a not always healthy Kittle, and Moore provides multiple insurances (age, $, injuries) behind Williams, which is the position they're probably most worried about.

Add in the fact that Aiyuk clearly prefers Pittsburgh (he all but vetoed NE out of the running ), and there's a deal space here that won't hamstring the Steelers too badly.

[Deebo]

This isn't the only place stating it's a 2nd and a 5th. Sounds like it's done.

If that's the haul and I'm a SF fan, I'm furious!

https://x.com/FFB_Fanatics/status/18212 ... _&ref_url=

[Orangesteel]

This isn't the only place stating it's a 2nd and a 5th. Sounds like it's done.

If that's the haul and I'm a SF fan, I'm furious!

https://x.com/FFB_Fanatics/status/18212 ... _&ref_url=

If there is truth to this im starting a Go Fund Me to pay for a bronze statue of Omar Khan to be placed in front of Acrisure.

[Pabst]

Jordan Schultz
@Schultz_Report
Sources: There is still no deal between the #49ers and #Steelers on a trade that would send WR Brandon Aiyuk to Pittsburgh, per multiple sources. The two sides have spoken, they continue to speak, and the situation remains very fluid.

But as of this post, there is no agreement on all sides.

If this trade doesn't happen I will never listen to Fillipponi again.

[punum123]

Ayuk to the Steelers - Highsmith plus a 5th.
It's coming...write it down.
Let's go!

[anpsteel]

Jordan Schultz
@Schultz_Report
Sources: There is still no deal between the #49ers and #Steelers on a trade that would send WR Brandon Aiyuk to Pittsburgh, per multiple sources. The two sides have spoken, they continue to speak, and the situation remains very fluid.

But as of this post, there is no agreement on all sides.

If this trade doesn't happen I will never listen to Fillipponi again.

I like him for comedic relief

His posts are so wildly out there

[anpsteel]

Ayuk to the Steelers - Highsmith plus a 5th.
It's coming...write it down.
Let's go!

While I can see them potentially trading Highsmith- I can't imagine them taking the $22mil cap hit for next season by doing so.

[Stosh-67]

Ayuk to the Steelers - Highsmith plus a 5th.
It's coming...write it down.
Let's go!

While I can see them potentially trading Highsmith- I can't imagine them taking the $22mil cap hit for next season by doing so.

ON TOP OF NEW MONEY FOR BA....
I do not see them eating that dead cap myself
$22 dead cap...plus BA 2025 salary---$30? = $52 million for one of the 53 on the roster.
Not likely

[Stosh-67]

If this happens.......
Pickens and Aiyuk....as #1a and #1b
Plus Roman Wilson and CA3.....
Thats a pretty diverse skill set....size, speed.

[Stosh-67]

https://steelersdepot.com/2024/08/russe ... henomenal/

Russell on Pickens.
Have to believe Russells long ball with those two will be pretty scary........
Keeping the safeties deeper than coaches want them to be playing vs. the Steelers running attack.

[Stosh-67]

https://x.com/FTFonFS1/status/1821263329093959899

[anpsteel]

Ayuk to the Steelers - Highsmith plus a 5th.
It's coming...write it down.
Let's go!

While I can see them potentially trading Highsmith- I can't imagine them taking the $22mil cap hit for next season by doing so.

ON TOP OF NEW MONEY FOR BA....
I do not see them eating that dead cap myself
$22 dead cap...plus BA 2025 salary---$30? = $52 million for one of the 53 on the roster.
Not likely

exactly

[chippedhamsandwich]

'VERBAL AGREEMENT" being reported all over the place, come on, announce the fucking deal!!

[Jizz Mop]

Team Jizz Mop has been working the phones all day

Here’s what we can confirm:

Nothing

More details to follow

[jewelsongs]

Team Jizz Mop has been working the phones all day

Here’s what we can confirm:

Nothing

More details to follow

[Stosh-67]

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/here ... er-report/

jUST A LITTLE TIDBIT ABOUT POTENTIAL CONTRACT

New England was "still prepared to give" the All-Pro "in excess of $28.5 [million per year]" as part of a potential trade, Anderson reports. The Patriots were always aware it would be a hard sell to bring Aiyuk to New England, per Anderson, as the club is rebuilding with a new coach and quarterback, but still hoped to convince the pass catcher with lofty money.

A contract averaging $28.5 million per year would've made Aiyuk the fifth-highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL, putting him just ahead of the Miami Dolphins' Jaylen Waddle ($28.25 million) in annual value. The 49ers offered Aiyuk a deal averaging about $26 million per year in May, according to The Athletic.

[chippedhamsandwich]

PFT is saying that the 49ers REALLLLY want to take the Browns offer but I think Aiyuk is saying "Fuck the Stains" and wants to play in Pittsburgh.

This is holding up the whole thing and completely fucking with the 49ers outlook on this year, assuming that Amari Cooper is part of that deal.

[Jobu]

This isn't the only place stating it's a 2nd and a 5th. Sounds like it's done.

If that's the haul and I'm a SF fan, I'm furious!

https://x.com/FFB_Fanatics/status/18212 ... _&ref_url=

Is anyone else creeped out by how much Aiyuk looks like Shades?

[Ice]

Not only are "verbal agreement" and "agreement in principle" out there all over the place, so is "contract already in place." Would be cool to see something official.

[chippedhamsandwich]

This trade going through is huge for another reason called, "GEORGE PICKENS INSURANCE"

Dude is an absolute freak WR, doing what he can with Kenny Pickett, Trubinsky, and Mason throwing to him.

The Steelers have to have serious doubts about his head though. He could go completely off the rails at any minute and he doesn't even realize that this could impact his ability to get a contract like what Aiyuk is gunning for right this minute.

Aiyuk is a fucking PRO and I am sure a #1 receiver that you would like to build an offense around.

They would have to feel better with Aiyuk here knowing that they could grab something for Pickens down the road if they cannot/won't resign him in the future, and then reload in a draft.

[Ice]

I definitely buy that.

[anpsteel]

This trade going through is huge for another reason called, "GEORGE PICKENS INSURANCE"

Dude is an absolute freak WR, doing what he can with Kenny Pickett, Trubinsky, and Mason throwing to him.

The Steelers have to have serious doubts about his head though. He could go completely off the rails at any minute and he doesn't even realize that this could impact his ability to get a contract like what Aiyuk is gunning for right this minute.

Aiyuk is a fucking PRO and I am sure a #1 receiver that you would like to build an offense around.

They would have to feel better with Aiyuk here knowing that they could grab something for Pickens down the road if they cannot/won't resign him in the future, and then reload in a draft.

If they trade for Aiyuk, Pickens almost certainly isn’t getting a C2


Let’s see

Sign Aiyuk to a 3 year deal for apx $90 mil


Pickens has this season and next left on his rookie deal


I suppose they could franchise Pickens for one year and then try to extend.


But I don’t see the Steelers locking up $60mil p/yr in cap money to the WR position

[Ice]

Some of that depends on how the cap keeps going up. They're still not going to be paying a FQB, either. The roster starts looking really good for a rookie QB to step into, as well. 2004-like, almost.