The Pittsburgh Steelers could not acquire Brandon Aiyuk, who signed an extension with the San Francisco 49ers. It was a big development for Pittsburgh, who was seemingly all-in on bringing in Aiyuk to bolster their uninspiring wide receiver room. With the star receiver out of the picture, some Steelers saw their stock rise. However, due to Aiyuk’s playmaking abilities remaining in San Francisco, there are plenty of losers on Pittsburgh’s side, too.
Steelers Biggest Losers Following Failed Brandon Aiyuk Trade
How is Russ Supposed to Cook?
The most obvious loser from the empty ending to the Steelers and Brandon Aiyuk saga is Russell Wilson. While he’s far removed from his prime, Wilson is expected to be a monstrous upgrade from Pittsburgh’s quarterback play in 2023. He played better for the Denver Broncos last year than any quarterback has played for the Steelers since Ben Roethlisberger entered his end-of-career decline. The problem, though, is that Wilson doesn’t have much talent to work with in the passing offense.
Pittsburgh has George Pickens, whose deep threat and contested catch abilities make him a solid top target for Wilson. Beyond Pickens, though, the quality of wide receivers falls off a cliff. Van Jefferson, who has shown in preseason that he can be a reliable option, will be WR2. He’s not a bad player, but on a better offense, he would be a WR3 at best. Tight end Pat Freiermuth will probably be one of Wilson’s favorite weapons. Beyond those three players (and Jefferson is already stretching it), it’s hard to envision any Steelers pass catchers having a big year.
Pickens Job Gets Much More Difficult
Speaking of Pickens, one could argue he is a winner from the Steelers failing to trade for Brandon Aiyuk. With Pickens so clearly the team’s top receiving target, his target share will be insanely high and he’ll have more than enough chances to produce. However, the argument for Pickens being a loser from the Aiyuk saga is just as clear. With no other high-end wide receivers on the team, Pickens will be the focal point of opposing defenses at all times. He will see a frustrating amount of double teams.
Pickens is an explosive player who showed last year that he can produce in less-than-ideal situations. He managed to rack up 63 receptions, 1140 yards, and five touchdowns while working with potentially the league’s worst quarterback play. The addition of Wilson pointed to big things being in store for Pickens in 2024. That is still the case, but he’ll need to work a lot harder to earn his production against the level of defensive attention he’ll receive.
Mike Tomlin’s Streak Is in Jeopardy
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin shouldn’t be happy with how Omar Khan handled the Brandon Aiyuk situation and, more generally, the team’s wide receiver situation. Tomlin’s streak of 17 non-losing seasons is in jeopardy in 2024. By now, it can understandably be seen as foolish to predict the Steelers to finish with a losing record under Tomlin. He has found a way, through hell or high water, to drag subpar teams to a winning record and a playoff appearance. This year, he could be fighting an uphill battle once again.
Pittsburgh’s schedule is tough, they play in the best division in the NFL, and the AFC as a whole is full of talent. There could be a dozen teams fighting for a playoff spot when December rolls around. Pittsburgh will probably be one of them, but they just might not have enough juice from their passing offense to get across the finish line.
Main Photo: Kyle Terada – USA Today Sports
