Brandon Aiyuk re-signing with 49ers: Why Steelers might be better off without 49ers receiver in the long run

And just like that, the Steelers’ months-long quest to obtain Brandon Aiyuk has come to an unsatisfying conclusion for the black and gold. Aiyuk is staying in San Francisco after he reportedly agreed to a four-year, $120 million extension, thus ending the biggest storyline of the 2024 NFL offseason. 

Pittsburgh fans are surely disappointed with Thursday night’s news, and it’s easy to see why. The Steelers could have acquired a 1,300-yard receiver who is smack dab in the middle of his prime. Aiyuk would have likely made the Steelers a legitimate contender to come out of the AFC. At a minimum, his presence would have increased Pittsburgh’s odds at getting its first playoff win in eight years. 

The knee-jerk reaction is that Aiyuk staying in San Francisco is nothing short of a catastrophe for Pittsburgh. Yet there are several reasons why this may be better for the Steelers in the long run. 

For starters, the Steelers already have a bona fide No. 1 receiver in George Pickens, who, based on his exploits during the first two weeks of training camp, appears primed to have his best season yet. The third-year wideout has extremely lofty goals for himself. 

“I’m just trying to be the greatest,” Pickens told CBS Sports following Pittsburgh’s second training camp practice. 

In the same interview, Pickens gave a clear answer when asked if the Steelers need to bring in reinforcements at receiver (i.e. Aiyuk). 

“Nah, I think we’re good enough,” Pickens said. 

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Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/brandon-aiyuk-re-signing-with-49ers-why-steelers-might-be-better-off-without-49ers-receiver-in-the-long-run/

Author : Bryan DeArdo

Publish date : 2024-08-29 23:14:06

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