The Brandon Aiyuk trade/extension saga has been the definition of a roller coaster ride — and that's especially true if you are at all involved with the San Francisco 49ers or Pittsburgh Steelers. Making matters worse, it has been dragged out for way too long.
The Steelers have been in pursuit of a trade for Aiyuk for quite some time, and while they did reportedly have a deal in place with the Niners, that hasn't gone through yet.
That might simply be because the Niners don't want to let him go and are holding out hope they can re-sign him, but it could also be because Aiyuk isn't happy with the deals both teams are offering. Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer recently wrote that the Steelers' offer to Aiyuk paid him south of $28 million, which pushed the stud receiver back to the negotiating table with San Fran.
Whatever, the case may be, everyone keeping an eye on the situation just wants it to end so we can all go on with our lives.
ESPN's Adam Schefter recently weighed-in on the situation during the network's fantasy football marathon show and believes there could be a resolution this week. It's important to note, though, that this sounds like an opinion rather than a report.
"At some point in time, the 49ers need to get resolution,” he said (H/T Steelers Depot). “So I would expect this issue to heat up this week at some point in time. Because it’s reached a critical juncture.”
Adam Schefter Monday night on the Brandon Aiyuk saga #Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/hfU2v9QRIY
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) August 20, 2024
It is a critical juncture indeed. Aiyuk hasn't been taking part in practice throughout the entirety of training camp, and there are less than three weeks until the regular-season opener.
Of course, Aiyuk will have a much easier time getting acclimated with his current team, but there will no doubt be an adjustment period if he goes to Pittsburgh, as he'll have to learn a new offense and build chemistry with a new QB.
Adding to that, the Steelers will still have a major question mark at wide receiver if this deal falls through. The longer it drags out, the less time Pittsburgh will have to make a much-needed addition, assuming they will still be in the market for one.