B/R’s Matt Miller: San Francisco 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk trade rumors Target While the NFL offseason is in full swing and people are speculating about Aiyuk’s future, both fans of the team as well those who cover it are holding their breath. Or might he stay in San Francisco and be headed for the Pittsburgh Steelers via trade?
The Origin of the Rumors
Brandon Aiyuk trade rumors about the trade part stemmed from 49ers salary cap talk. Aiyuk has, of course demonstrated his value on the field as a young receiver with plentyof talent. However, like the case with most star athletes around their prime age contract negotiations and financial issues has caused rumors to swirl of a potential move. Many fans have noticed that the Steelers could use an addition to their wide receiver room, and Aiyuk’s contract situation is just one personification of how they might do so.
As one commenter pointed out – “the 49ers’ salary cap bind could mean some difficult choices for them. Aiyuk is a bright young talent, but he may not be affordable to keep”.
That comment reflects a universal fear and unfortunately that applies to the 49ers cap situation. Is Aiyuk’s future in San Francisco at risk by virtue of the 49ers’ financial boundaries? Considering the financial constraints, Aiyuk’s net worth and potential future earnings will undoubtedly play a key role in his next move.
Why the Steelers?
A popular team in trade talk has been the Pittsburgh Steelers, and with good reasons. Aiyuk could find a nice home with the Steelers to give Pittsburgh a star wide receiver. The Steelers’ coaching staff, headed by Mike Tomlin, has a track record of developing and using versatile players like Aiyuk — part of the reason some believe this trade fits for both sides.
Imagine Aiyuk on the other side of George Pickens. That would be a DEFENSES Nightmare with the Steelers! wrote one other, excited tweeter.
This possibility has tantalized fans of the two teams. Pairing Pickens’ physicality with Aiyuk’s speed and route-running ability would form potentially one of the most dynamic receiving duos in all of football. Brandon Aiyuk’s talents have been compared to elite wide receivers in the NFL, making him an exciting potential addition to Pittsburgh’s roster.
How Taxes Affect Player Decisions
The one thing that is almost always ignored in trade talks yet has a huge impact on contract negotiations: state taxes. The 49ers are based in California, which has some of the highest tax rates around and that helped create a dilemma. Pennsylvania, where Pittsburgh is located, generally offers more favorable tax laws for athletes than does California.
One commenter more insightfully stated, “You gotta take into account the taxes bro. By relocating from California to Pennsylvania, Aiyuk would stand to save a lot more state income tax. Maybe that alone is a game-changer.”
The state income tax rates can make a significant difference to their take-home pay for someone like Aiyuk who is an athlete. This property tax factor could very also contribute to the attraction that Pennsylvania has over California and its high taxes.
Aiyuk’s Value to the 49ers
Though there are tweeting otherwise, a lot of them 49ers faithful whose reaction to keeping Aiyuk mimics the one and only Coach Herm. Last year he demonstrated that ability to take over games, and the 49ers are Super Bowl contenders again this season so trading Aiyuk would be no small deterrent on San Francisco’s title hopes.
“Trading Aiyuk would be a mistake,” commented a concerned 49ers fan. “He’s just hitting his stride. If we want to compete for the Super Bowl, we need to keep him.”
Which speaks to what a lot of people are saying — Aiyuk has been imperative to their success and his growth in Kyle Shanahan’s system is plain for anyone to see. He would leave a hole difficult to fill, especially in the competitive NFC West. Given his increasing importance to the team, Aiyuk’s career earnings reflect how crucial he has become to San Francisco’s offensive strategy.
Steelers’ Offensive Needs
The Steelers are trying to fix their offense, on the other hand. Aiyuk could be the spark Pittsburgh is seeking after an underwhelming season last year.clipsToBounds His pass-catching skills and breakaway speed turn a predictable, stagnant Steelers offense into one that’s potentemonicent coming out of 2019.
The proposal called for the Steelers to acquire San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk in exchange for Pittsburgh’s pick number 29:
One fan said, “Our O-line needs work but you landing a guy like Toyko Talks who has it makes HUGE difference. He is a player who can make plays, even when the protection falters.
With Aiyuk’s separation and ability to make plays after the catch, he could be that jolt for Pittsburgh’s offense. His ability to stretch the field as well as work in short-yardage situations in addition to his kick return acumen would seem to fit an immediate need.
Related The Bottom Line: Will Aiyuk go or stay?
Up Next: Aiyuk’s future as the NFL offseason progresses Naturally the 49ers would like to hold on to their QBOTF, but given financial constraints and potential trade suitors, you can’t rule anything out. The Pittsburgh Steelers (perpetually in need of offensive firepower, located in a tax-friendly environment) are another possible destination.
That said, the Brandon Aiyuk trade rumor mill is going to grind on until one of Seattle or Philadelphia agrees to terms for a major trade. Whatever happens, what Aiyuk does next may very way dictate the fate of whoever team’s in if he remains with San Francisco or goes to Pittsburgh.
As one fan put it: “Whatever happens, it’s gonna be one of the biggest moves of the offseason. Aiyuk is a game-changer, and whoever gets him will be better for it”
Regardless of where he ends up, Brandon Aiyuk’s journey and background offer a unique insight into what makes him such a sought-after player.
Final Thoughts
The Brandon Aiyuk trade rumors speculation reveals NFL contract negotiations to be a perfect storm of sorts — as complicated an economic equation between team needs, financial limitations and even state tax codes all apply. But no matter if Aiyuk stays in San Francisco or goes to Pittsburgh, one thing is clear: he will live up for many years.
As for a potential deal, be sure to check back in here as we keep our eye on this story and all other possible trades. In the meantime, both coasts are just gonna have to sweat and see who gets Aiyuk next year.