Just when it seemed like all hope was lost for the Pittsburgh Steelers' pursuit of a trade for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, two NFL insiders have revived it.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Steelers "are still in it" for the stud wide receiver and are "one of several teams" the Niners are talking to. Rapoport mentions the New England Patriots and Cleveland Browns, also.
"My understanding is the Pittsburgh Steelers have had discussions with the 49ers about potential trading Brandon Aiyuk," he said. "They are for sure in it right now. They're one of several teams that the 49ers are speaking with. The Cleveland Browns are one of those teams. The New England Patriots are one of those teams."
Adding to Rapoport's report, ESPN's Adam Schefter notes that the Niners and the Steelers have "re-engaged conversations" about Aiyuk today after talks stalled on Monday.
Steelers and 49ers re-engaged in conversations mid-day today regarding Brandon Aiyuk, per league sources. As of Monday night, the 49ers-Steelers talks stalled. But there have been further conversations today in an ever-fluid situation that still involves other teams as well.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 6, 2024
This is a total 180 from what Schefter said earlier in the day when he stated he did not expect the Steelers "to be a landing spot at all."
Both reports come on the heels of NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco reporting that the Steelers are no longer in on Aiyuk.
"The Commanders have removed themselves from trade talks for Aiyuk, and the Steelers effectively no longer are an option after they declined to meet the 49ers’ trade demands, the source said," Maiocco wrote on Monday night.
Maiocco provided his own update on Tuesday, saying that the Steelers are the "preferred destination for Aiyuk."
The Steelers were not willing to meet 49ers trade demand yesterday. Pittsburgh has been a preferred destination for Aiyuk. https://t.co/SIXaGA9aGs
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) August 6, 2024
This situation has been the true definition of a roller coaster, especially as it pertains to the Steelers, a team that is in need of an upgrade at the position. Just when fans think they're out, Rapoport and Schefter are pulling them back in.
