The Anti-Climactic Ending of the Brandon Aiyuk Saga
Brandon Aiyuk and the San Francisco 49ers agreed on a 4-year, $120 Million contract extension, bringing an end to the long and drawn-out standoff between the Steelers, Browns, Commanders, and 49ers.
I can’t lie to yinz…I’m so glad this is over. I understand everyone’s frustration with the outcome of this ordeal, and I can’t say I blame you. It’s hard not to think that Omar Khan put all of his eggs in one basket with this one, and it didn’t work out. At this point in the offseason, you’re not going to acquire any game-changing receivers from free agency, and teams are turning their attention to game planning for the regular season and away from roster building. This is undoubtedly a brutal outcome for the Steelers; and, I hate to say this, but Omar Khan looks a little silly today. It seems like the Steelers and Omar Khan were used as leverage by Bradon Aiyuk’s team to secure the bag, and it worked. Well played by them, to be honest.
As for the Steelers, this receiving corp doesn’t exactly scream elite, and it’s looking borderline subpar at this juncture. George Pickens has top 10 written all over him, and Van Jefferson has impressed me all summer long. Beyond that, we’re really going to need a SIGNIFICANT sophomore campaign for Calvin Austin III. We haven’t seen much of Roman Wilson this summer, but he seems like a guy that thrives in a run-heavy offense, which we will need to be in order to succeed. He’s not afraid to get his hands dirty and do some blocking. The offense that he became accustomed to, and excelled in at Michigan, should have quite a few similarities to the one he’ll be running with in Pittsburgh. I wouldn’t be surprised if he was in the WR2 conversation by the end of the year. The last guy on our depth chart is Scotty Miller, who is a hell of a route runner, but not a game-changer by any stretch. He had a decent summer, and played with Arthur Smith last year in Atlanta, so hopefully his presumed comfort in the Arthur Smith system works to his benefit.
It sucks to say, but that’s it. Barring massive improvements from Calvin Austin III, I don’t think this WR room ranks in the top half of the league. In obvious passing plays, George Pickens is going to draw SO MUCH attention, and I just can’t convince myself that the rest of the guys behind him are going to be good enough to make up for that. Thankfully, our tight ends should get a lot of looks based on what we have seen from Arthur Smith’s offenses in the past. Pat Freiermuth, Mycole Pruitt, and Connor Heyward made plays all summer. BIG Darnell Washington had a quiet summer, but I have to imagine we’re going to get him involved in the pass game this year. And, he’s a hell of a run blocker. I just hope the depth at TE can make up for this pretty conservative WR room.
At the end of the day, I’m just so glad I don’t have to think about this Brandon Aiyuk shit anymore. I wanted to mute his name on twitter/x so badly, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I feel played, and I’m disappointed. Also, what the hell is up with Andrew Fillipponi from 93.7 the fan? He can’t get away with literally reporting that a deal was done between the Niners and the Steelers, right? Same with Cam Marino, but he at least posted a formal apology about it.
Anyways, it is what it is. Sad day. But, we press on.
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