Whether or not you assume they do or do not look alike (they do) is not the purpose. Nevertheless, ought to the Steelers be severely fascinated 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
Obvious want: After buying and selling Johnson to Carolina, the Steelers do not have a transparent No. 2 vast receiver to enrich George Pickens. In the event that they add Aiyuk to the combination, he might 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 vast receiver. It should make a splash for a difference-maker, and Aiyuk definitely 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 crew 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 would take to amass Aiyuk, however many imagine San Francisco would wish a first-round choose and a lesser established playmaker.
That may be equal to Pittsburgh’s 2024 first-round choose (No. 20) and Austin III, a fourth-round choose in 2022. Most could be fast to take that deal, however the Steelers have wants at middle and proper sort out that they have to deal with, too, and their first-round choose might assist with a kind of positions.
In fact, if normal supervisor Omar Khan can work some magic and convey that worth down, then it is a no-brainer, however that is an enormous if.
Lengthy-term value: Not solely will it value Pittsburgh excessive draft capital and perhaps a participant to acquire Aiyuk, however it would additionally value the crew a big portion of its wage cap house.
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 yr).
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 yr for the subsequent three or 4 years.