Two years ago, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ summer was defined by Brandon Aiyuk. Months of trade rumors that nearly led to a deal before Aiyuk made a last-second pivot to stay in San Francisco. A bullet dodged for the Steelers. Aiyuk has since gotten hurt and gone AWOL, wearing out his welcome with the 49ers. The team still holds his rights, but should he hit the marker, NFL reporter and analyst Aditi Kinkhabwala thinks the Steelers should get back in the sweepstakes.
“I don’t think he’ll be available for next to nothing. But sure, if he is, why not?” Kinkhabwala told 93.7 The Fan’s Andrew Fillipponi and Chris Mueller Wednesday when asked if Aiyuk should be considered. “I mean, why wouldn’t you?”
There are valid reasons for the Steelers to pass. Pittsburgh has just gotten on the other side of the malcontent wide receiver after putting up with Chase Claypool, Diontae Johnson, and George Pickens in recent years.
DK Metcalf wears emotions on his sleeves but is far from the diva of players before him with a low social media presence and selfless blocking on the field. The rest of the room presents no problems. Michael Pittman Jr. and Germie Bernard aren’t ones to make a stink.
Aiyuk sure has.
The 49ers voided his guaranteed money after Aiyuk stopped showing up for rehab for his severe 2024 knee injury. He regularly records Instagram videos, ones that have gotten him into legal trouble. Filming himself speeding in California last year, Santa Clara prosecutors issued a warrant for his arrest earlier this month.
Kinkhabwala thinks the 49ers could be the root of Aiyuk’s issues.
“He made a point of saying this isn’t the first time that this has happened in that building and that that is indeed a clique-ish building,” she said, referring to an unnamed beat writer. “And if you don’t necessarily fall into the right clique, then it can be a not-ideal situation.
“Or if you don’t wanna play a certain game within the game, it may not be ideal. And that gives me pause because it is somebody who is there. And only to say we don’t know the whole of that story.”
The 49ers could’ve released Aiyuk months ago and cleanly parted ways with him. Instead, the team is holding onto the hope of trading him. The Washington Commanders are the most likely partner to the point of Aiyuk recently wearing a Commanders hat. His connection to Jayden Daniels is central after the two spent time as Arizona State teammates.
Even if Aiyuk is cut, the Steelers are doubtful to pick up the phone. The wide receiver room is stronger and more settled than it’s been, and the risk of Aiyuk causing more problems than he solves isn’t worth it. It’s likely a question of when, not if, Aiyuk becomes a Commander, and the Steelers are wisest to watch it all from afar.
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