In the Steel City, where quarterbacks often steal the spotlight, the buzz about a wide receiver has set the internet ablaze. Rumors are swirling that 49ers’ WR Brandon Aiyuk might be Pittsburgh-bound, and Steelers’ HC Mike Tomlin is relishing the speculation. With a smirk on his face, Tomlin simply quipped, “I’ll let you guys speculate on that,” making it clear he was having a bit of fun with the rumor mill. But hold on! An award-winning journalist believes that Aiyuk in Steelers could mean trouble for the rest of the division.
Speaking on the First Take, on August 7th, ESPN’s Kimberley Martin is not buying Coach Tomlin’s tease, as she believes that the Steelers should push for Aiyuk. Why? Her response was pretty simple: “Brandon Aiyuk in Pittsburgh changes the entire complexion of the AFC North. I’m looking at the team like they have a real good shot at winning the division.” A big talk? Maybe, but one that might be making sense.
First and foremost, the Steelers’ offense has had a major glow-up from last season. From snagging Arthur Smith as the new OC to signing Russell Wilson and trading in Justin Fields, this team is gearing up to be a real powerhouse. Kimberley explains, “Last year, this Pittsburgh Steelers team had three different quarterbacks who didn’t ultimately get the job done. None of them were on the roster. And they had Diontae Johnson in this offense. They went 5-1 against AFC North opponents.”
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With that rudimentary 2023 offense, and under Matt Canada, no less, their record is nothing short of outrageous. Just imagine the damage they’ll do this season with their shiny new roster! For a better understanding, look at the table below.
Polls of the day
Poll 1 of 5
Do you think Brandon Aiyuk would be a game-changer for the Steelers?
Absolutely
Maybe
Not at all
Only time will tell
Do you think the NCAA's four-year show-cause order against Jim Harbaugh is justified?
Absolutely
No way
Partially
Not sure
Whats your Perspective on:
Could Brandon Aiyuk be the missing piece for the Steelers to dominate the AFC North?
Have an interesting take?
Do you think Jim Harbaugh can overcome the NCAA's four-year show-cause order?
Absolutely
No way
It's going to be tough
Only time will tell
Is Nitro Tuggle the next big star for Georgia Bulldogs?
Absolutely
Not sure yet
No way
| Stats in 2023 | Steelers QBs (combined) | Russell Wilson |
| Passing Yards | 3,421 | 3,070 |
| Completion% | 63.8 | 66.4 |
| Touchdowns | 13 | 26 |
| Interceptions | 9 | 8 |
Russ’s addition to the offense is a game-changer, evidenced by the stats. Talk about a signing that can win you games with fourth-quarter Hail Marys—he’s Mr. Clutch! This is a huge upgrade for Tomlin’s Pittsburgh.
.@ByKimberleyA believes the Steelers have a "really good shot at winning the division" if they add Brandon Aiyuk 👀 pic.twitter.com/tupYwp3sMC
— First Take (@FirstTake) August 7, 2024
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What’s your perspective on:
Could Brandon Aiyuk be the missing piece for the Steelers to dominate the AFC North?
Have an interesting take?
But here’s where Kimberley’s second point hits home: the missing piece, the wide receiver. It’s a no-brainer. Fans were left scratching their heads when the Pittsburgh Steelers traded Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers in March for cornerback Donte Jackson. Losing your leading receiver without adding a premier one? It just doesn’t add up.
With Wilson’s experience and leadership, the Steelers need a yard-for-yard receiver move to fill that void. Enter the 26-year-old Brandon Aiyuk. He led San Francisco to clinch the NFC West title in 2023. So, it only makes sense to add him to the roster, completing the puzzle and giving the Steelers and Mike Tomlin the boost they need to dominate the division. Or else? Like Colin Cowherd said on the Herd, on 20th July, “I love their roster, but I worry in an offensive league getting right on that side of the ball.”
But what’s the realistic possibility of the Steelers landing Brandon Aiyuk? Here’s what has been brewing in the last few days, Steelers Nation.
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Will the Steelers land Brandon Aiyuk as Russell Wilson’s new weapon?
The buzz around Brandon Aiyuk has Coach Mike Tomlin grinning like he just called a perfect trick play. While rumors fly about a potential trade to bring the 49ers’ wide receiver to Pittsburgh, NFL insider Jordan Schultz has clarified that no deal has been signed yet. But hold on to your ‘Terrible Towels’—the Steelers and 49ers are still in serious talks. Andrew Fillipponi of Pittsburgh’s 937 The Fan reported a verbal agreement, lighting up the speculation scoreboard.
Meanwhile, per NBC Sports’ Matt Maiocco, the 49ers have given Aiyuk the green light to negotiate with four teams, including the Steelers, Browns, Patriots, and Commanders. While the Browns and Patriots had framework negotiations, ESPN’s Adam Schefter noted the Patriots have now dropped out, leaving Pittsburgh in a prime position to snag the star receiver. Now, the Steelers are very much determined to add a key target for Russell Wilson. But the end zone might get blocked by contract negotiations.
Coming off a career-high 1,342 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, Brandon Aiyuk would undoubtedly elevate any offense. Will the Steelers seal the deal and give Wilson the weapon he needs?
Debate
Could Brandon Aiyuk be the missing piece for the Steelers to dominate the AFC North?