Ian Rapoport: Pittsburgh Steelers remain active in trade discussions for Brandon Aiyuk

The Steelers still are in the running to secure Brandon Aiyuk via a trade with the 49ers. But they’re probably behind the Browns and Patriots.

This is all according to Ian Rapoport from NFL Network. On Tuesday, Rapoport assessed the chase for Aiyuk. And yes, it’s complicated.

“The Pittsburgh Steelers have had discussions with the 49ers about potentially trading (for) Brandon Aiyuk,” Rapoport said. “They are for sure in it right now, as are several teams that the 49ers are speaking with. The Browns are one of those teams. The Patriots are one of those teams.

“They are certainly further along with the Browns and Patriots than they are with the Steelers,” Rapoport added. “Then there is the contract Brandon Aiyuk would want. That’s why he has had so much power and so much say so in this situation. …. He’s not going anywhere unless he gets a contract that he wants and sets him up … like he desires. And the market has skyrocketed, for sure, he’s going to benefit from that. It’s why this situation really hasn’t moved … It is more fluid than any other trade I can remember.”

So why would the Steelers be interested? Here’s some background. Aiyuk is entering the final year of a rookie contract he signed in 2020. The former first-rounder will make $14.124 million this season if the 49ers (or another team) don’t offer a better deal. There has been no movement since May.

Aiyuk enjoyed his best season last fall when he was a second-team All-Pro playing for one of the most dynamic offenses in the NFL. In the last two years, Aiyuk has caught 153 passes for 2,357 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Meanwhile, the Steelers would love another top-shelf receiver after trading Diontae Johnson to the Panthers. Right now, they have George Pickens and several other youngsters.

The NBC affiliate in the Bay Area reported that the 49ers gave Aiyuk permission to speak with the Steelers, Browns, Patriots and Commanders. But Washington probably is no longer in the trade equation. The 49ers want a veteran wide receiver along with some draft picks.

The team that acquires Aiyuk would then have to negotiate a contract. And the receiver market is sizzling this summer, with the top salary jumping by $5 million a year. Last season, Tyreek Hill was the top-paid receiver at $30 million. Now it’s Justin Jefferson at $35 million a season. Eagles star A.J. Brown ($32 million) and Lions’ standout Amon-Ra St. Brown ($30.002 million) also surpassed Hill.

Plus, the Cowboys likely will need to pay CeeDee Lamb somewhere in the vicinity of Jefferson. He’s a holdout at Dallas training camp.

So if the Steelers want Aiyuk, it’s not as simple as swapping players.