Steelers reportedly struck out on 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk because of a last-second decision

It's been a while since the Pittsburgh Steelers were talked about in terms of Brandon Aiyuk.

A summer saga like no other, Aiyuk ended up staying with the San Francisco 49ers after a back and forth like no other.

But per Jay Glazer of Fox Sports , he should have been a Pittsburgh Steeler:

Aiyuk should have been a Steeler?

"The day it actually got done, the 49ers were trading him to the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was already en route there, and then all of a sudden, Brandon Aiyuk happened to show up early to the facility that day. Went downstairs, tried to meet with Kyle Shanahan, tried to get in touch with the front office, but they couldn't take his call, because they were trying to get a trade done with the Pittsburgh Steelers."

What could have been? That makes three teams that the 49ers had reportedly agreed to terms with, as the New England Patriots and Cleveland Browns had deals in place but Aiyuk rejected playing for them.

If you're wondering how he held that leverage, it's simple. Aiyuk is a free agent after this season. You can trade for him, but if he doesn't want to play for you, he can sit out.

So in the end, Pittsburgh and seemingly every other team that had talks with Aiyuk worked themselves into a shoot, as he wanted to stay in SF. He wanted out, saw what his market was, came back to the 49ers and said match it or at least up your initial offer, of which the latter occurred and the rest is history.

How all parties fair in the end is yet to be seen.