By all accounts, the Pittsburgh Steelers are big game hunting for a wide receiver to replace Diontae Johnson. We have heard lots of huge names linked to the team recently. Omar Khan may just have one more trick up his sleeve before the draft. Let’s review the names of the wide outs that have been rumored to the Steelers lately:
1. Justin Jefferson:
Let’s get the most far fetched one out of the way first. It is very, very unlikely that the Minnesota Vikings will part ways with Jefferson no matter what the offer. There is the slim possibility that his lofty contract demands eventually force the Vikings hands. Even in that case are the Steelers going to be the team that gives up significant asssets, than offer a record contract to Jefferson? It’s highly unlikely, but as we’ve learned this offseason nothing is impossible in Pittsburgh.
2. Stefan Diggs:
We go from the most unlikely, to our least favorite with Stefon Diggs. Diggs will turn 32 this season, and incudes a rather hefty contract. He has four years left on a deal that would pay him an average of $19 million per season. Then there’s the not so small issue of him often been a malcontent during his career as well. This one is a hard no for us, hopefully the Steelers feel the same.
3. Deebo Samuel:
There’s no question Deebo Samuel is among the most talented wide receivers in the league. What he can do once the ball is in his hands is truly exceptional. At 28 years old, you can make the argument that he is still in his prime. The concern here is injuries, along with the physical play style. Samuel has only played five seasons in the league, but they have been five hard seasons. He has only played a full season once during his career. This would be a tremendous addition to the team, albeit a very risky one. Samuel has two years remaining on his contract at $21 and $17 million respectively.
4. Terry McLaurin:
Terry McLaurin is a very interesting name to keep an eye on. He has had four straight 1,000 yard seasons in Washington. This despite the dumpster fire that has been the Washington Commanders organization throughout his career. Mclaurin is about to turn 29, but has not missed a game in three seasons. He has two years left on his deal at a very reasonable $18 million per season. The former Ohio St. product ran a 4.3 40, and scored a 9.56 RAS score. He may not be as sexy a pick as some of the others on the list, but he could end up being the best value.
5. Brandon Aiyuk:
We saved the best for last here. Brandon Aiyuk is one of the best young receivers in the game. He is only 26 years old, and coming off back to back 1,000 yard seasons for San Francisco. The catch here is twofold. The asking price at this time is a pretty ridiculous first round pick and a player. We learned this from the reported deal with the Jaguars that would send their first round pick and Zay Jones to the 49ers. https://www.sfgate.com/49ers/article/brandon-aiyuk-trade-rumors-swirling-social-media-19263555.php#
The second issue with acquiring Aiyuk is he is reportedly looking for a monster contract extension. Reports are he is looking to get the same $30 million per season that Tyreek Hill got from Miami. The assets the Steelers would need to give up, and the dollars they’d have to shell out make this deal a difficult one.
Theres no question that if the Steelers are indeed big game hunting, and Brandon Aiyuk would be the big trophy in this hunt. He would instantly improve this offense dramatically, and in turn make this team a Super Bowl contender. A few tweaks to the offensive line, and the sky’s the limit in 2024 with Aiyuk in the fold. It won’t be easy, but Omar Khan and company seemed determined to make a splash at wide receiver one way or the other.