Brandon Aiyuk has been pro-Steelers since revealing on the Pivot Podcast that Pittsburgh was a desired destination in June.
The Steelers have been pro-Aiyuk since the spring when they found themselves down a receiver after shipping their top-producing receiver, Diontae Johnson, to the Carolina Panthers.
As a team that drafts wide receivers better than most organizations, Pittsburgh’s first official man-love for Aiyuk sparked when the 2020 NFL draft process began. Only they weren’t in a position to get the receiver out of Arizona State after sending their first-round pick to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. Instead, they settled for Chase Claypool.
Now Pittsburgh sees an opportunity to get him anyway. But why would Aiyuk even want to go to the Steelers? Sure, Mike Tomlin is always a draw for any player. Beyond that, though, it doesn’t make much sense.
The 49ers have gone deep into the playoffs in three out of four of Aiyuk’s seasons. They were one win away from reaching the Super Bowl in 2021 and 2022. The Niners finally reached it in 2023 and are primed to repeat in 2024.
Pittsburgh hasn’t done squat since 2016 and has been a team in transition since Ben Roethlisberger retired three years ago. Is the Steeler’s arrow pointing up? No question. But the 49ers arrow is off the charts.
It pains me to say it, but if Brandon Aiyuk is smart, he’ll stick with the San Francisco 49ers. The opportunity for Aiyuk to get that ring is on his doorstep.
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