UPDATE: ESPN's Adam Schefter has done a 180 from what he said earlier in the day and is now reporting that the Pittsburgh Steelers and the San Francisco 49ers have "re-engaged in conversations" for wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.
Adding to that, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that the Steelers "are for sure in it" for Aiyuk, as are the Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots.
You can read our story on the latest on the Steelers' pursuit of Aiyuk right here.
Original Text
When it comes to players who are not on the team, nobody in the NFL has been on the tongues of Pittsburgh Steelers fans more than San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.
Whether it be rumor or speculation, the Steelers have constantly been tied to the stud receiver, which is understandable given Pittsburgh's need at the position. But after what has been a roller coaster for fans, things appear to be fully descending.
On Monday night, NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco reported that the Steelers "effectively no longer are an option" for Aiyuk after declining to meet the Niners' trade demands. The Washington Commanders are also out of the running.
Maiocco also stated that the Niners had frameworks of trades in place with the New England Patriots and Cleveland Browns and where he ends up depends on if Aiyuk accepts either team's contract offer. Thus, Aiyuk can effectively squash a trade to either team if he wants.
Now, on Tuesday, ESPN's Adam Schefter said that he does not expect the Steelers "to be a landing spot at all" during an appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show" (H/T Steelers Depot).
"I don't expect Pittsburgh to be a landing spot at all," Schefter said. "I think Pittsburgh, like a lot of teams, checks into this."
For whatever it is worth, Adam Schefter on latest on Brandon Aiyuk on The Pat McAfee Show: "I don't expect Pittsburgh to be a landing spot at all. I think Pittsburgh, like a lot of teams, checks into this." #Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/izdMUAdzw1
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) August 6, 2024
Until something actually gets done, Steelers fans who want Aiyuk can continue to hold out hope. However, Pittsburgh's prospects of landing the impact wide receiver it needs is certainly looking bleak.
