By Diana Russini, Matt Barrows and Mike DiFabo
The Pittsburgh Steelers are still engaged in trade negotiations with the San Francisco 49ers involving receiver Brandon Iuk, though the two sides have yet to reach an agreement, according to league sources. Athletic On Wednesday.
The 49ers, at this point, aren’t satisfied with the Steelers’ offers and want a receiver in exchange for Aiyuk as part of a trade, according to a league source.
49ers coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed Tuesday that IUC has given permission to pursue new contracts with other teams.
Over the weekend, according to multiple reports, the Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots were the best fits, and the Pittsburgh Steelers have resurfaced as a possible destination. However, the Patriots reportedly pursued a deal to land Ayuk, who has no interest in playing in New England.
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The 49ers agreed to trade for Brandon Ayuk
Before Tuesday, the 49ers said they wanted to keep Ayuk, who had 1,342 receiving yards last season. Ayuk has been “on hold” since the start of training camp — he’s been attending meetings but hasn’t participated in any practices since the preseason program began in the spring.
The Steelers have a clear need at wide receiver after dealing former Pro Bowler Deonte Johnson this offseason. George Pickens is currently atop the depth chart and there are plenty of question marks behind him.
On Wednesday, coach Mike Tomlin was asked if the Steelers could still be interested in adding a receiver to round out the room.
“I’ll let you guess that,” he said with a smile.
In late June on “The Pivot Podcast,” hosted by former Steeler Ryan Clark, Iuk made it clear that Pittsburgh would be one of his preferred destinations if he didn’t return to San Francisco. But the bigger question is whether Pittsburgh has the right revenue to make a deal happen.
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If the San Francisco 49ers are looking for a receiver to replace Aiyuk and help them win this window, the Steelers don’t have a ton to offer unless the Steelers are willing to add Pickens, who is entering the third year of his rookie deal. And begins to scratch the surface of his potential. While Pickens and his new contract would fit well within the 49ers’ salary cap, getting him away from the Steelers wouldn’t necessarily solve Pittsburgh’s problems.
Behind Pickens, Van Jefferson and Calvin Austin III were the two most promising receivers. Austin, a 5-foot-9 former college athlete, may have a higher ceiling. However, Shanahan’s offense typically favors bigger, more physical receivers who are good blockers and reliable over the middle. Austin doesn’t fit that mold.
Jefferson was a big 6-1 target and ran a 4.39 40-yard dash out of college. However, after a breakout sophomore season in 2021 in which he tallied 50 receptions for 802 yards and six touchdowns, he didn’t come close to matching that production. He is coming off 20-reception, 209-yard seasons with the Falcons and Rams.
As for other threats, tight end Pat Freiermuth would hypothetically have the talent to add value to a trade package. He is entering the fourth and final year of his rookie deal and is currently in contract talks on his own extension in Pittsburgh. Given how often new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith likes to feature tight ends, he would also be a notable player to remove from the roster.
In addition to receivers, the Steelers have a handful of linemen that would be enticing to the 49ers, and Pittsburgh could always provide draft capital as well. But if the 49ers absolutely want a receiver, Iuk’s production will be hard to replace with the options on the Steelers’ roster.
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(Photo: Christian Peterson/Getty Images)
