You can never have enough weapons in the NFL.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are considered a landing spot for a 25-touchdown playmaker.
NFL writer Moe Moton of Bleacher Report believes the Steelers should pursue Brandon Aiyuk, who will not return to the San Francisco 49ers next season.
"During Aiyuk's contractual standoff with the 49ers during the 2024 offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers had a deal in place to acquire him," Moton wrote. "Pittsburgh will turn over its coaching staff following head coach Mike Tomlin's resignation, though general manager Omar Khan remains and will likely pursue Aiyuk during his free-agent bid.
"The Steelers don't have a clear-cut No. 2 receiver to complement D.K. Metcalf. Also, Metcalf had an up-and-down first year in Pittsburgh, finishing the campaign on a two-game suspension and a season-low 850 receiving yards. Whoever starts at quarterback would have a good chance to rack up passing yards with a Metcalf-Aiyuk tandem on the perimeter. They could uplift a young signal-caller if the Steelers are unable to convince Aaron Rodgers to return for another year.
"Of course, Pittsburgh's new coaching staff will be a factor in how hard the front office pushes for Aiyuk. Nonetheless, the Steelers will have a projected $37.8 million in cap space, which should be enough to sign Aiyuk and address other roster needs."
Aiyuk didn't play at all this season, as he was recovering from the serious right knee injury he suffered last season. According to ESPN's Nick Wagoner, Aiyuk skipped "multiple rehab sessions," which preceded the 49ers voiding the guarantees in his four-year, $120 million contract.
The 27-year-old Aiyuk has appeared in 69 games with the 49ers. He has 294 receptions for 4,305 yards and 25 touchdowns.
At the 49ers' end-of-season press conference, general manager John Lynch told the media that the team would part ways with Aiyuk, who hasn't suited up since Week 7 of the 2024 season when he tore the ACL, MCL and meniscus in his right knee.
If the 49ers cut Aiyuk, the Steelers could pursue him since they had a deal to acquire him in 2024.
It will be fascinating to see who coaches the Steelers and starts at QB next season first, as Mike Tomlin is gone and Aaron Rodgers could retire.
Once the coach and QB are established, only then can the Steelers pursue Aiyuk.
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