49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has been the subject of trade rumors all offseason, with Pittsburgh being named the “perfect match” several times.
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported on Monday that the negotiations have not been “completely dead” as the sides continue to work on a solution.
With that in mind, here are the Steelers’ best options at wide receiver if Aiyuk stays in San Francisco.
Treylon Burks, Tennessee Titans
Trading for Burks, the No. 18 overall pick in 2022, is starting to look like Pittsburgh’s most realistic scenario.
Burks seems to be the odd man out in the Titans’ wide receiver room, now highlighted by DeAndre Hopkins, Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd.
The 24-year-old isn’t the flashy addition Steelers fans may be hoping for, but he would come at a cheap price while bringing upside to the position.
Burks has registered 49 catches for 665 yards and one touchdown through the first two years of his NFL career.
Courtland Sutton, Denver Broncos
Trading for Sutton seems to be the fan-favorite move, outside of acquiring Aiyuk. However, there continue to be mixed signals about the situation in Denver.
The 28-year-old recently revealed he hopes to be in Denver for the rest of his career but wouldn’t commit to reporting for the start of training camp without a new deal.
“We’ll see what happens. Got a month to be able to get things situated,” Sutton said via Troy Renck of the Denver Post. “Hopefully, things get situated because, as you all have heard, and I’ll continue to say, This is where I want to be. This is home. This is where I want to go hoist the Lombardi Trophy. This is the place where I want to be able to retire.”
Sutton has just $2 million guaranteed left on his four-year, $60 million contract. If the Broncos are not interested in giving him a new deal, the Steelers should do their best to reunite him with quarterback Russell Wilson after the two showcased their connection by combining for 10 touchdowns in 2023.
John Metchie III, Houston Texans
Metchie III is another player who may have found himself as the odd man out this offseason.
The Texans traded for four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Stefon Diggs and could look to move the former second-round pick now that their wide receiver room is highlighted by Diggs, Nico Collins and Tank Dell.
Metchie III shouldn’t cost too much to acquire from Houston since he didn’t play his rookie year after being diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia and posted just 16 catches for 158 yards in 2023.
Michael Thomas, free agent
Signing Thomas would be the biggest risk out of everyone on this list, which is why he’s the only one still available on the open market.
The 2019 NFL Offensive Player of the Year was once one of the best wide receivers in the league, but injuries have plagued the backend of his career.
The 31-year-old has played in just 20 games the past four seasons, reeling in 95 catches for 1,057 yards and four touchdowns during the span.
Thomas was released by the New Orleans Saints in March and is searching for his next opportunity.
Pittsburgh could be just that if all the trade options dry up by the start of the season.