Pundits have connected the Pittsburgh Steelers to San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk for the past several weeks. But as the first round of the 2024 NFL draft came to a close, it was Aiyuk’s teammate, Deebo Samuel, emerging as a more likely trade target for the Steelers.
The San Francisco Chronicle’s Michael Silver reported late on April 25 that “the 49ers are now more likely to deal” Samuel than Aiyuk.
Aiyuk is entering the final year of his rookie contract — a fifth-year option that will pay him $14.1 million. But he’s looking for a contract extension before the start of the 2024 season.
That has made Aiyuk the subject of trade rumors throughout the draft process. But to make room for Aiyuk’s new contract, the 49ers could instead trade Samuel.
This fall, Samuel will enter the second campaign of a 3-year extension worth up to $73.5 million.
Samuel made first-team All-Pro and the Pro Bowl during the 2021 season. He signed his big deal following that season.
But in five seasons, Samuel’s only 1,000-yard campaign came in 2021. The past two years, Samuel has taken a back seat to Aiyuk, who is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons.
