On Thursday, WR Brandon Aiyuk reportedly agreed to a four-year, $120 million contract to stay with the San Francisco 49ers, leaving the Pittsburgh Steelers out within the chilly. Whereas the Steelers reportedly anticipated this because the probably consequence, however, it’s formally time to maneuver on. So, the place do they go from right here?
At first, with the common season quick approaching, it’s time to complete up the unfinished enterprise. Meaning a contract extension for TE Pat Freiermuth as the very best precedence, and revisiting Cameron Heyward’s state of affairs. We would even get one other deal — perhaps for Najee Harris.
However that’s the boilerplate stuff, issues that shouldn’t take lengthy to work out. It’s probably that a few of these contracts have been in limbo pending an consequence with Brandon Aiyuk, to ensure that they had the accessible belongings to accommodate his preliminary contract earlier than finishing a brand new deal.
The excellent news is the Steelers labored all offseason with out Aiyuk, so it’s not like they deliberate round him. The offense is what it’s, and the highest of the depth chart needs to be okay. George Pickens is the unquestioned star, and Van Jefferson generally is a serviceable No. 2 goal. Step three is injecting some human progress hormones into Roman Wilson’s ankle on the down-low. Let’s get that man going, as a result of they’re going to want him.
Now that the Steelers know with absolute certainty that they aren’t touchdown Brandon Aiyuk, although, they’ll flip their consideration in different instructions. Simply because they didn’t purchase Aiyuk doesn’t imply they’ll’t attempt to add another vast receiver. And so they can pursue choices proper up till the commerce deadline, if that’s the strategy they intend to take. Going with that strategy, they’ll additionally consider the true want for one more receiver.
One necessary factor to notice is that the decision of the Aiyuk saga crystalizes the variables of the Steelers’ future. They now know that they don’t at present have a real No. 1 WR signed to a long-term contract. They’ve principally one 12 months to determine if George Pickens is that man, as a result of he’ll desire a new deal in 2025, particularly if he places up any form of numbers this season.
And if Pickens doesn’t shine this 12 months, or he proves to be a headache, then the Steelers know they’ll begin pivoting to seek for a real No. 1 WR. It’s not as if George Pickens and Brandon Aiyuk have been the one prospects. They most likely wouldn’t make an enormous splash on the place in free company. However it could put it within the first-round dialog, definitely.
As for the rapid future past choosing by the trash heap, all of the Steelers can do is transfer ahead. They don’t know what they’re lacking with Brandon Aiyuk as a result of they by no means had him to overlook. The one unknown variable is how a lot and the way shortly Roman Wilson can contribute.
So, yeah. Minus Aiyuk, guys like Calvin Austin III and Scotty Miller are going to matter sooner or later this 12 months. And they’ll matter instantly assuming Wilson doesn’t play within the opener. I want I had one thing extra encouraging for you, however I’m guessing you all braced for this some time in the past. Brandon Aiyuk won’t put on a Steelers uniform this season — and possibly ever. Purchase inventory in Pat Freiermuth futures.
