The National Football League’s (NFL) Free Agency began just over a week ago and the vast majority of free agents have already found a new home. Even these weeks also included some player trades and picks for the upcoming draft.
In this context, one of the names that in recent weeks has made a stir given that he may be a candidate to be traded is that of San Francisco 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk himself. The Arizona State graduate joined the franchise in 2020 and is in his fifth year of contract. Ayuk’s career in San Francisco has gone from low to high and with an outstanding last two years.
The financial demands for a contract renewal are high and probably higher than what San Francisco is willing to pay. For this reason, the receiver himself began to flirt with other franchises on social networks, in this case with the Pittsburgh Steelers head coach himself, Mike Tomlin.
@CoachTomlin they saying we twins. What you think ? 👀
— BA (@THE2ERA) March 19, 2024
Brandon Aiyuk’s numbers in the NFL and how he would impact the Pittsburgh Steelers
Brandon Aiyuk came to the NFL in the 2020 NFL Draft, with the San Francisco 49ers when they selected him with the #25 pick of the first round that same year. A choice that, at the time, was somewhat surprising but analyzing it today, it was very successful.
At the collegiate level, he accumulated 25 games with 98 receptions for 1,666 yards and 17 TDs at Sierra College and Arizona State, while at the professional level, in his four-year career, he accumulated 62 games with 269 receptions for 3,931 yards and 25 TDs. On the ground, he has another 13 carries for 117 yards and two touchdowns.
While his numbers are not outstanding, in the last two seasons he was a key piece in Kyle Shanahan’s offense and a highly sought-after outlet for Brock Purdy. This takes into account that he shared offense with names such as Deebo Samuel, Christian McCaffrey, and George Kittle, among others.
His arrival to the Pittsburgh Steelers, if a trade is made, could be high-impact. After Mike Tomlin’s team traded Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers, Pittsburgh’s receiving corps has been left pretty deserted, with only George Pickens as the main one, but without much help by his side. Ayuk’s speed and Pickens’ physical dominance could be a lethal tandem for Russell Wilson.
