Brandon Aiyuk officially requested a trade from the San Francisco 49ers. To no surprise, Steelers fans once again have their ears perked up.
This trade request might not end the relationship between Aiyuk and the 49ers, but it puts a lot of tension on getting a contract extension ironed out. Right now, things are murky, but something like this has happened with the 49ers before, and that resulted in an extension. We will see where things go, but San Francisco is in the middle of their best years of contention.
Not too many other teams have been surrounded by the Aiyuk trade rumors more this offseason than the Pittsburgh Steelers. It makes sense as they could use a talented receiver to join their team to help take pressure off of George Pickens. Aiyuk would do that, but his pricey contract that would be joined with his acquisition would create an uncertain future for Pickens in Pittsburgh.
Many are looking at Aiyuk as a realistic possibility for the Steelers to land in a blockbuster trade, but don’t forget other options that this situation could create opportunity for.
San Francisco has plenty of talent on their offense, and it seems like they could have to shed salary sooner or later. If they want to re-sign Aiyuk they might need to pick and choose which receivers, they can keep with their cap situation.
Deebo Samuel has been in trade rumors before, and it would make a ton of sense for the Steelers to check on him.
Under contract control for three more seasons
Samuel signed a contract extension in 2022 that saw him become one of the highest-paid receivers in football.
That deal would carry some big cap charges for the next two years, but that would leave the door open to extending Pickens. Samuel would count over 28 million this year and a hair over 24 million in cap charges. It could be significant for the Steelers if they want to extend Pickens, who could command massive amounts of money coming off his rookie contract.
Samuel would cost more against the cap than Diontae Johnson for the next two seasons, but his contract expiring after 2025 could make him more enticing than Aiyuk’s predicted deal.
Deebo Samuel could fit in the offense better
Aiyuk is an explosive playmaker on offense. He has quickly become one of the best receivers in the NFL. It has caused Deebo Samuel’s role to change on the 49ers in recent years. Aiyuk would be a tremendous addition to the Steelers, but adding Samuel via trade might be the better fit. With the style of offense Arthur Smtih is trying to run, Samuel would be quality value.
Samuel has shown that he can play a physical brand of football that would fit in Smith’s offensive scheme like a glove.
Adding Samuel via trade shouldn’t cost as much as Aiyuk
When you look at the numbers, Samuel has seen his production slump in recent years. He hasn’t been as effective as a receiver as Aiyuk. Add in the fact that he still carries a big cap charge for the next two seasons, and Samuel shouldn’t command as much via trade for the 49ers. Many are speculating that Aiyuk would cost a team a first-round pick to acquire. Samuel would not come close to that.
If Pittsburgh targeted Samuel via trade it would probably cost a third-round selection or some exchange of draft picks
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