For months now there have been fake reports and rumors swirling around the internet about the San Francisco 49ers potentially trading wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. In terms of suitors, the list of teams who would be interested is long, but the Pittsburgh Steelers have been a constant in terms of teams reportedly interested in trading for Aiyuk’s services.

Most just brushed off the rumors as false, or fake, and bought into what John Lynch and company said during the league meetings just a few short weeks ago.

But at every step of the process, Aiyuk himself, and sometimes his girlfriend, publicly stated they didn’t believe the 49ers wanted to keep him, and that he’d rather play somewhere else who wanted him.

Well, some might say where there’s smoke, there’s fire.

As the league year has continued to move forward, potential trade terms certainly change. It seems clear the talented wide receiver wants out of San Francisco, and once teams know there is a disgruntled employee, they know they can leverage the situation. It’s almost like blood in the water for sharks.

This is one of the reasons the Pittsburgh Steelers are engaging in talks with San Francisco for Aiyuk.

According to our source inside the facility, talks are ongoing, but that doesn’t mean a deal is imminent. However, we were told “don’t be shocked” if a deal gets done. When will it get done? That’s anyone’s guess, but the Steelers are certainly interested in what it might take to acquire Aiyuk’s services.

One thing the Steelers will be looking for in this potential trade is the overall attitude of Aiyuk. Aiyuk has never been considered a bad teammate or a disgruntled employee in San Francisco, but the Steelers want to ensure he is 100% in on being a part of the Steelers. The other facet of this negotiation is the fact the Steelers will likely want to get Aiyuk a new contract since he is entering the final year of his current deal. How will they get the money for such a move? We’ve been telling you to expect a Cam Heyward extension for months, and that would certainly help clear some cap space for a new contract for the talented receiver.

For those media members painting a picture of the Steelers as “neglecting” the wide receiver position this offseason, that’s simply false. Not only have they made several acquisitions in free agency, but they have kept their options open in both the trade market and the upcoming NFL Draft. They’re absolutely doing their diligence at the wide receiver position.

Want to hear the full report form our source? Check out the Breaking News podcast in the player below, and be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers this offseason.