Pittsburgh Steelers’ chances of winning Brandon Aiyuk sweepstakes get big boost

As first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the New England Patriots have withdrawn from the Brandon Aiyuk sweepstakes. Of the reported teams, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns remain. However, it seems that Aiyuk is dead set on going to Pittsburgh, while the 49ers need the right compensation to move him.

The Steelers and 49ers have gone back and forth about the trade for months, but only now are the 49ers receptive to these offers. Pittsburgh appears to be the front-runner in the sweepstakes, as Aiyuk has the leverage to veto a trade.

Aiyuk wants to be one of the top receivers in the NFL, which means over $30 million annually. While the Patriots were seemingly willing to pay him and gave the 49ers a package they liked, Aiyuk’s refusal to sign a long-term contract with the Patriots held it up. That is why Aiyuk is not in Cleveland or New England.

With all that in mind, if the 49ers are going to move Aiyuk, the Steelers seem like the natural landing spot. He could pair with George Pickens to create a dynamic wide receiver duo on the outside and put a bow on what appears to be a completely reshaped offense for Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.