Former lineman Ramon Foster of the Pittsburgh Steelers suggested that Mike Tomlin and the team trade left tackle Dan Moore Jr. in exchange for receiver Brandon Aiyuk of the San Francisco 49ers.
There have been increasing rumors that wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk of the San Francisco 49ers could be acquired by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Making the move happen, though, will cost the Steelers a lot of money.
To help with the cost, though, former offensive lineman Ramon Foster of the Steelers suggested the team might think about dealing one of its starting offensive linemen. The Ramon Foster Show on DK Pittsburgh Sports recently featured Foster’s suggestion that the offensive lineman the Steelers could provide in exchange for Aiyuk is left tackle Dan Moore Jr.
You can also use [Dan Moore Jr.] as draft capital. If you’re looking at San Francisco, he might be shipped over in a package, according to Foster. “How much more is Trent Williams capable of? With that offensive scheme, he plays left tackle and moves the ball in and out as quickly as they do.
“Dan is a really athletic man. Although I admire Dan, I’m pleading for him to join another team because it makes sense. Should you be saying to me, “We’ll send you a four along with Dan Moore?”
Since 93.7, there have been rumors linking the Steelers to Aiyuk. On March 19, Andrew Fillipponi of The Fan reported that the team was expressing interest in signing the 49ers receiver.
In an interview with “The Rich Eisen Show” the day before, Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette stated that the Steelers might be searching for a “greater catch” at wideout.
In 16 games during the previous season, Aiyuk recorded 75 receptions for 1,342 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns. En route to being named to the second team of the All-Pro, he averaged a career-high 17.9 yards per grab.
With San Francisco, Aiyuk has amassed 269 receptions, 3,931 yards, and 25 touchdowns in four seasons.
The Reasons the Steelers Might Sign Wide Receiver Brandon Aiyuk
The Pittsburgh Steelers started looking for a starter wide receiver as soon as they dealt wideout Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for cornerback Donte Jackson.
The Steelers lost a seasoned wide receiver with the ability to gain 1,000 receiving yards in Johnson. Furthermore, the only receiver on the Steelers’ current roster who recorded more than 210 receiving yards in the previous campaign is George Pickens.
On March 16, Pittsburgh added veteran receiver Van Jefferson through free agency. However, in 17 games in 2023, Jefferson only managed 20 catches for 209 receiving yards.
Not only would acquiring Aiyuk close the gap left by Johnson, but he would also be an improvement.
Like Johnson, Aiyuk is an excellent route runner with a natural knack for opening gaps.Aiyuk has greater upside than Johnson as well, with a career average of 14.6 yards per grab and 25 touchdowns in 62 games.
Although Johnson has played in 77 games, he has also scored 25 touchdowns. Just five of the 25 touchdowns have occurred in the final two years following Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement.
Because he has experience playing in Kyle Shanahan’s offense alongside weapons like Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle, Aiyuk’s statistics are probably higher. However, Aiyuk might be the final key component needed in Pittsburgh to enable the Steelers offense to emerge from a five-year funk.
What Is the Price of Trading for Aiyuk?
It’s an interesting concept that the Steelers are offering Moore as part of a package for Aiyuk. However, in addition to Moore, Aiyuk is likely going to cost the Steelers a premium draft pick.
Media personality Mia O’Brien tweeted that the 49ers supposedly requested wide receiver Zay Jones and their first-round choice (No. 17 overall) from the Jacksonville Jaguars this offseason in exchange for Aiyuk.
It’s clear that the Jaguars rejected the agreement. It’s possible that Aiyuk won’t fetch a first-round pick or a player at the asking price in the end.
Even if Moore or another player is included in the trade for Aiyuk, it’s reasonable to expect the 49ers will be looking for a high draft pick in return.
Foster’s scenario also presumed that Moore would be of interest to the 49ers. The 25-year-old joined the Steelers as a fourth-round selection in 2021, and he has since started at left tackle. However, based on criteria like the player evaluations at Pro Football Focus, he has been approximately a replacement-level performer.
