The wait for a trade between the Pittsburgh Steelers and San Francisco 49ers continues on Thursday, and now we know why.
According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the 49ers “haven’t been satisfied” with what the Steelers are offering for Aiyuk and are looking for a wide receiver in return. Russini adds that the Niners would be open to players at other positions, though.
One would assume the Niners would like to get George Pickens in return in the trade, but as Russini rightly points out, that would leave the Steelers in the same position they are now in terms of needing wide receiver help.
Beyond Pickens, Pittsburgh doesn’t have much else to offer, unless they’re willing to part with rookie Roman Wilson.
Per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the Niners have also been looking around the league to get a third team involved that could possibly lead to them landing a wide receiver in return.
The 49ers, to this point, haven’t been satisfied with the Steelers’ offers and would like a receiver in return for Aiyuk as part of a trade, although they are open to players at other positions, league sources said.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) August 8, 2024
“I have no doubts in my mind that the 49ers have had those conversations (about getting a third team involved,” Garafolo said. “I have been told that, and they’re nosing around the league. And the problem is nobody’s really got an excess of receivers that can give you that caliber of guy you’re looking for.”
While there are still clearly things to sort out here and nothing is guaranteed, at least the Steelers appear to be the front-runners for Aiyuk. Whether or not general manager Omar Khan can seal the deal to get him to Pittsburgh remains to be seen.