After much rumor and speculation about the Pittsburgh Steelers possibly acquiring San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, they are reportedly no longer in the hunt for the stud receiver.
Per Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area, the 49ers have the "frameworks of trades" in place with the Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots, but it is up to Aiyuk to accept either team's contract terms in order to complete a deal.
Maiocco adds that the Washington Commanders have "removed themselves" from the race for Aiyuk, and the Steelers are "effectively no longer" an option for him after declining to meet San Francisco's demands.
Also, Aiyuk was given permission by the 49ers to negotiate a potential contract with the Steelers, Commanders, Patriots and Browns, Maiocco reports.
This is obviously unfortunate for the Steelers, a team that is in need of help at wide receiver. But clearly the asking price was simply too high for Pittsburgh to meet, which will have them looking elsewhere for help.
Currently, the Steelers are sporting a wide receivers group that is led by George Pickens, but the options behind him are shaky.
Van Jefferson appears on track to grabs the No. 2 receiver spot thanks to a strong camp, but he's no sure thing. Behind him, the Steelers have rookie Roman Wilson, third-year receiver Calvin Austin and veteran Quez Watkins.
