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Whether or not you assume they do or do not look alike (they do) is not the purpose. Nonetheless, ought to the Steelers be significantly keen on 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 general 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 large receiver to enhance George Pickens. In the event that they add Aiyuk to the combination, he could even overtake Pickens because the crew’s No. 1.
Outdoors of Pickens, Calvin Austin III and Van Jefferson are Pittsburgh’s solely real looking choices at large receiver. It should make a splash for a difference-maker, and Aiyuk definitely suits the invoice.
Higher with age: Aiyuk has elevated his complete 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 crew higher at drafting and growing 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 plenty of sense.
Should not
Commerce bundle: It is unknown what it should take to amass Aiyuk, however many consider San Francisco would wish 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 sort out that they need to tackle, too, and their first-round choose may assist with a kind of positions.
In fact, if normal supervisor Omar Khan can work some magic and produce that value down, then it is a no-brainer, however that is an enormous if.
Lengthy-term price: Not solely will it price Pittsburgh excessive draft capital and possibly a participant to acquire Aiyuk, however it should additionally price the crew 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 initiatives 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 keen 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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