By the time you read this, there is a chance this story has become old news. And if I’m being honest, I hope that is the case.

No, not because I want to spend time out of my life writing an article which will be considered old and outdated the following day, but just the fact if that is indeed what happens, the saga we’ve all been living through the past few months will be over.

Of course after reading the headline, you know what I’m talking about. Yes, the Brandon Aiyuk trade rumors.

• Will he be traded?
• Will be be re-signed?
• Will he nix any potential trade offer?
• Who are the teams interested? Browns, Patriots, Steelers, Commanders??

I can’t speak for you, the reader, but for me I just want the aforementioned saga to be over. If Aiyuk is traded to the Steelers, I’m not going to be upset, I’ll want to know what the team had to give up to get him, but I won’t be upset. Nor will I be upset if Aiyuk goes to another team or even stays in San Francisco.

Before going any further, I feel it is appropriate for me to say the Steelers were indeed interested in a trade for Aiyuk and/or Deebo Samuel before the 2024 NFL Draft. The Steelers thought they had a deal in place, but it didn’t come through. It happens with the many moving parts in a potential trade scenario. Nonetheless, as time went on, Aiyuk’s online behavior had the Steelers questioning whether he was the type of player they would want to have in the organization.

In other words, the Steelers slowly backed away from the negotiating table to let things settle down.

Whether it was the Steelers seeing in training camp how they needed help at the position, the 49ers changing their asking price, or both, there are rumors and reports, which are essentially the same, swirling around as of Monday. Some are suggesting a deal is imminent, while others think there is still plenty of work to be done.

Either way, I long for the day when it is just that…done.

This entire situation has become all about leverage. The 49ers flexing their leverage while having the talented wide receiver under contract for the season. Leverage which means they don’t have to trade him under any circumstances, only if it fits what they feel is fair compensation for a player of his caliber.

In the meantime, Aiyuk is doing his best to flex his own leverage by not showing up. Would he pull a Le’Veon Bell and sit out a season? He would potentially lose a lot of money, but would be holding firm to his wishes of getting a contract which he deems matches his skill set.

Ultimately this is all just noise. All these talking points are just a pissing contest between the 49ers and Aiyuk.

Will a deal gets done? I, for one, pray it does with someone just so we can stop the speculation about it every time Aiyuk shakes John Lynch’s hand, or decides to not show up at 49ers training camp practice.

For the latest news and notes surrounding this entire Aiyuk situation, and where the Steelers reside amidst it all, check out the STEELERS SOURCE podcast in the player below.

Be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the rest of of training camp and the 2024 preseason.