Brandon Aiyuk to Steelers? Deebo Samuel Reveals Thoughts on Trade Rumors

The rumor mill continues to churn, and each passing day means more updates regarding the Pittsburgh Steelers and their attempt to trade for San Francisco 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk.

Recent reporting seems to lean in San Francisco’s favor, citing a new contract offer that hits the $30 million threshold, annually. That’s not great news for a Steelers team whose only advantage is the money they can offer Aiyuk.

If San Francisco closes that gap enough, the continuity and proximity to a championship could be a tiebreaker of sorts.

Pittsburgh got more bad news on Friday, courtesy of former trade target and 49ers receiver Deebo Samuel.

On “ Up & Adams ,” Samuel was asked about the possibility of leaving. Specifically, he was asked whether his team could win a championship without Aiyuk.

“BA’s gonna be a part of this team,” Samuel said. “So we don’t have to worry about that.”

Samuel’s comments, joined by recent Aiyuk sightings at San Francisco’s practice, make the Pittsburgh faithful queasy – and it should. Aiyuk caught 75 passes for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns last season; his second 1,000-yard campaign in as many years.

Both his immense talent and the upgrade he’d provide along the boundary make him an invaluable short-term target for the Steelers. Signing him to a long-term extension and providing a star target for the next franchise quarterback is even more enticing.

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Samuel’s word isn’t gospel, and there are several reasons why he made that particular comment, but that doesn’t make it any more fun to hear.

Still, it’s no use sounding any alarms until the news is officially broken. Pittsburgh has positioned itself better than any other team to trade for Aiyuk. The ball simply isn’t in their court right now.