From a perspective from “The Steel City”? There is an impatient wait for a conclusion to the Brandon Aiyuk saga. But in fairness, that is nothing compared to the angst being experienced by the team that actually employs him.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are keeping an eye on this deal, as he missed another practice on Wednesday. … and yes, now again comes word from the West Coast that he’s AWOL on Thursday, too.
The San Francisco 49ers receiver continued to “hold-in” at the team’s facility as he pursues a new lucrative contract. … or, at least “hold-in” is what is was being called.
But if he doesn’t show up for practice, as there is a Week 1 game on the horizon, against the New York Jets?
“Hold-in” seems a weak way of describing the truth.
The 49ers over the spring and summer fielded trade calls for Aiyuk as the two sides were far apart in contract talks, and as they obviously still are, with the wideout surely wanting an extension in excess of $30 million APY.
The Steelers were one of the interested teams, and it seems that terms for a deal between Pittsburgh and Aiyuk had been agreed to … and then maybe the parameters of a swap between the two teams was also achieved …
But then San Francisco held off on the trade as they continued to negotiate with Aiyuk.
Prior to Wednesday practice, 49ers general manager John Lynch claimed that he expected Aiyuk to practice.
“At some point, you’ve got to play,” said Lynch.
True. And/or, at some point, you’ve got to trade the guy who won’t play.
Entering his fifth year in the NFL, Aiyuk had career-best numbers in San Francisco last season, finishing with 1,342 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, earning him a spot on the All-Pro second-team.
The Steelers will open their season against the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 7. They obviously won’t plan on Aiyuk being a part of the team by then. Of course, not even his own employers can count on that.
