Whether or not you assume they do or do not look alike (they do) is not the purpose. Nevertheless, ought to the Steelers be significantly inquisitive about a commerce for Aiyuk?
The fast reply is sure, however right here is why Pittsburgh ought to and should not commerce for the previous No. 25 total decide within the 2020 NFL Draft.
Ought to
Obvious want: After buying and selling Johnson to Carolina, the Steelers do not have a transparent No. 2 large receiver to enrich George Pickens. In the event that they add Aiyuk to the combo, he might even overtake Pickens because the workforce’s No. 1.
Outdoors of Pickens, Calvin Austin III and Van Jefferson are Pittsburgh’s solely practical choices at large receiver. It should make a splash for a difference-maker, and Aiyuk actually suits the invoice.
Higher with age: Aiyuk has elevated his whole receiving yards in each season of his younger NFL profession. His greatest season got here in 2023 when he posted a career-high 1,342 receiving yards on 75 catches.
There could also be no different workforce higher at drafting and creating receivers than the Steelers, but when they’re making an attempt to win now, making a play for an already-established expertise like Aiyuk makes a whole lot of sense.
Should not
Commerce bundle: It is unknown what it is going to take to accumulate Aiyuk, however many consider San Francisco would want a first-round decide and a lesser established playmaker.
That will be equal to Pittsburgh’s 2024 first-round decide (No. 20) and Austin III, a fourth-round decide in 2022. Most can be fast to take that deal, however the Steelers have wants at heart and proper deal with that they need to deal with, too, and their first-round decide may assist with a type of positions.
In fact, if normal supervisor Omar Khan can work some magic and produce that worth down, then it is a no-brainer, however that is a giant if.
Lengthy-term value: Not solely will it value Pittsburgh excessive draft capital and possibly a participant to acquire Aiyuk, however it is going to additionally value the workforce a big portion of its wage cap area.
The 26-year-old is due for a brand new contract after the 2024 season and Spotrac tasks he deserves a four-year, $96 million contract ($24M per 12 months).
If Aiyuk continues accumulating seasons like he has, he’d be price each penny. The Steelers should determine in the event that they’re keen to half with their first-round decide, a participant, and about $24 million per 12 months for the following three or 4 years.
