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Whether or not you suppose they do or do not look alike (they do) is not the purpose. Nevertheless, ought to the Steelers be critically interested by a commerce for Aiyuk?
The short reply is sure, however right here is why Pittsburgh ought to and should not commerce for the previous No. 25 total choose within the 2020 NFL Draft.
Ought to
Evident want: After buying and selling Johnson to Carolina, the Steelers do not have a transparent No. 2 broad receiver to enrich George Pickens. In the event that they add Aiyuk to the combo, he might even overtake Pickens because the staff’s No. 1.
Exterior of Pickens, Calvin Austin III and Van Jefferson are Pittsburgh’s solely practical choices at broad 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 finest season got here in 2023 when he posted a career-high 1,342 receiving yards on 75 catches.
There could also be no different staff 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 package deal: It is unknown what it can take to accumulate Aiyuk, however many imagine San Francisco would want a first-round choose and a lesser established playmaker.
That might be equal to Pittsburgh’s 2024 first-round choose (No. 20) and Austin III, a fourth-round choose in 2022. Most can be fast to take that deal, however the Steelers have wants at heart and proper deal with that they have to deal with, too, and their first-round choose might assist with a type of positions.
In fact, if basic 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 perhaps a participant to acquire Aiyuk, however it can additionally value the staff 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 value each penny. The Steelers should resolve in the event that they’re prepared to half with their first-round choose, a participant, and about $24 million per 12 months for the following three or 4 years.
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