Despite rumors that he was being actively pursued just hours earlier, the New England Patriots have pulled out of the draft lottery for Brandon Aiyuk, according to ESPN. New England was reportedly willing to make the 49ers receiver one of the NFL’s five highest-paid receivers. However, after inquiring about Aiyuk’s availability, the Patriots decided to change course and will instead rely on their young receiving corps for the 2024 season.
The Patriots may not be ready to sign him yet, but another AFC team is reportedly still in the running to get Aiyuk, who has requested a trade from San Francisco. The Steelers resumed negotiations with the 49ers on Tuesday after things stalled Monday night, according to ESPN. The Washington Commanders and Cleveland Browns are two other teams to watch.
No verbal agreement has been reached between the Steelers and 49ers on a potential trade as of Wednesday night, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, which added that a potential deal would not involve the Steelers giving up a player. The 49ers have asked the Steelers for two first-round picks for Aiyuk, according to Jim Wexell of Steel City Insider.
The Steelers have long been considered a possible landing spot for Aiyuk, who requested a trade from the 49ers after the two sides failed to agree on a long-term contract. Pittsburgh has a void at receiver after the team traded former Pro Bowler Diontae Johnson to Carolina earlier in the offseason. Veterans Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin III and rookie Roman Wilson are currently in the running to fill the Steelers’ No. 2 receiver spot opposite George Pickens.
There’s no doubt Aiyuk would add a spark to the Steelers’ offense. A first-round pick in 2020, Aiuyk’s career took off after Brock Purdy took over as the 49ers’ starting quarterback in 2022. He had his first 1,000-yard season that year and last season recorded a career-high 1,342 yards while helping the 49ers win the NFC title.
If he comes to Pittsburgh, Aiyuk would complement an offense that already features notable players like Pickens, running backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, tight end Pat Freiermuth, two first-round picks on the offensive line (Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu) and quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields.
