There has been endless speculation about who Brandon Aiyuk may get traded to all offseason long, with the Pittsburgh Steelers being among the teams mentioned. And it's speculation that makes sense considering Pittsburgh's need at wide receiver.
However, in the face of that speculation and social media rumors, there is no deal in place for the stud wide receiver, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo (H/T Steelers Depot).
Pelissero's update on the situation was particularly spicy, as he's clearly fed up with the social media rumor mill. First, here's Garafolo, and then Pelissero after:
"There are multiple teams in play that the 49ers have had communication with. As we sit here right now, and Tom [Pelissero] is gonna echo me in just a couple of seconds, there is no deal done. Brandon Aiyuk is still a 49er," Garafolo said. "There is no trade agreement with any team in place as we sit here right now."
"There is no trade in place to the Pittsburgh Steelers or anyone else," Pelissero added. "Regardless of what you might have seen on social media, regardless of who might have bought a blue check. Even though you can't buy credibility and put things out there by taking real information and other internet rumors, and then packaging them as something that's actually real."
No, Brandon Aiyuk wasn’t traded this afternoon.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 5, 2024
Yes, there are signs that could change as the saga continues in San Francisco. @MikeGarafolo and I had some things to say about it on The Insiders on @nflnetwork: pic.twitter.com/DHN97yoA78
For Steelers fans who want the glass half-full side of things, the NFL Network insiders did note that contract talks between the San Francisco 49ers and Aiyuk remain stalled, and a trade appears more likely than an extension.
From Nick Shook of NFL.com:
Brandon Aiyuk's prolonged contract dispute with the 49ers doesn't appear to be headed toward reconciliation, and could result in a trade before long.
Contract talks remain stalled and it seems more likely that Aiyuk will be traded than work out an extension with San Francisco, NFL Network Insiders Mike Garafolo and Tom Pelissero reported Monday. Multiple teams are in play for the ascending receiver, but a deal is not in place at this time, per Garafolo and Pelissero.
In addition to that, NBC Sports' Matt Maiocco wrote on Sunday that, now more than ever, he believes Aiyuk getting traded is a "legitimate option."
So, you're saying there's a chance.
While there's plenty of smoke to believe that Aiyuk will be traded, the Steelers will not be the only team in on him, assuming Pittsburgh actually is. We'll just have to wait and see how things play out.
