Insider addresses if Steelers will make big trade for WR

NFL insider Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk doesn't see the Pittsburgh Steelers trading for a star wide receiver such as Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel of the San Francisco 49ers before the start of the 2024 NFL season.

"Look, if it was gonna be one of the 49ers -- really, if it was gonna be anybody, you'd do it last week if you're the team that's moving the guy," Florio said during an appearance on Pittsburgh sports radio station 93.7 The Fan, as shared by Matthew Marczi of Steelers Depot. "Why would you be trading him now? Because unless you're getting a player in return, you're not getting anything to help you now. You would think, common sense, the window closes, not opens, with the ending of the draft."

Florio mentioned on multiple occasions before the draft that the 49ers told the Steelers that Aiyuk would not be traded this spring even though he is in the final year of his rookie contract and wants to get paid. San Francisco ultimately acquired wide receiver Ricky Pearsall via the 31st pick, but several in-the-know individuals have since insisted that neither Aiyuk nor Samuel will be traded because the 49ers are trying to return to the Super Bowl following their loss to the Kansas City Chiefs this past February.

Samuel is signed through the 2025 season.

The Steelers made Michigan wide receiver Roman Wilson a third-round pick but presumably want another weapon for veteran quarterback Russell Wilson. However, Pittsburgh general manager Omar Khan seemed to shoot down rumors regarding what would be considered by some to be a blockbuster trade earlier this week.

"They had been interested in Brandon Aiyuk," Florio added about the Steelers. "Obviously, that didn't materialize, and then it switched to Deebo Samuel. I have no idea. And I've been waiting. It hasn't happened yet. If it's gonna happen, it hasn't happened yet, so let's see what it's gonna be."

ESPN's Brooke Pryor is among those who think Pittsburgh should sign somebody such as former Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Zay Jones and not send even one asset to a team for a wideout. Assuming Florio is correct, the Steelers may have to look to free agency to find their desired target ahead of training camp.