PITTSBURGH - OCTOBER 25: James Farrior #51 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on with his defensive teammates from the huddle during the NFL game against the Minnesota Vikings at Heinz Field on October 25, 2009 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers defeated the Vikings 27-17. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)
Many fans and media seem to forget how busy the NFL tends to get around the NFL draft. Not only are there a myriad of trade rumors around teams trading up for quarterbacks but, often, there are veterans sent on the move around the draft as well.
This offseason has been a busy one for many teams. Even the Cleveland Browns, whose big move was a trade for WR Jerry Jeudy, made a variety of moves in free agency.
While Jeudy was the big move for the Browns, WRs Tee Higgins and Brandon Aiyuk are even bigger names at the position rumored to be available on the trade market.
According to one report, the Pittsburgh Steelers have had discussions of trading for Higgins but the Cincinnati Bengals are less likely to deal within the AFC North.
If Higgins isn’t likely, the Steelers could have eyes for Aiyuk as well:
Allbright, a Denver-based radio host and NFL insider, is a polarizing figure on social media but, as this writer has seen in person and confirmed with my connections, is connected with sources around the league. Whether this text, with the name edited, is from a solid source or not, it does make sense for Pittsburgh.
With HC Mike Tomlin in the last year of his contract, the Steelers traded away Diontae Johnson this offseason which leaves WR George Pickens as the lone receiver threat on the outside. Van Jefferson was signed this offseason in an attempt for a career resurgence but he has caught just 20 passes combined the last two seasons.
San Francisco 49ers GM John Lynch has denied that Aiyuk is available in a trade but that hasn’t stopped rumors. For good reasons. Aiyuk led the Niners with 75 receptions and 1,342 yards in 2023. He’s also in the final year of his rookie contract, playing on the fifth-year option for over $14 million.
Pittsburgh has the 20th overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft but would likely need to add more value to acquire Aiyuk to help out new QBs Russell Wilson and Justin Fields.
The NFL draft is a week and a half away. Rumors will likely continue to swirl up until and throughout the three-day event.
