One of the biggest hold-ups that was discussed to the Pittsburgh Steelers acquiring San Francisco 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk via trade was the fact that the money he was looking for would’ve likely made him the highest-paid player, or close to it, on Pittsburgh’s roster. Per Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, the Steelers didn’t want to go over T.J. Watt’s average per year at just slightly over $28 million in a contract, and their offer to Aiyuk was $27.7 million per year so as not to surpass Watt’s number.
“The Steelers came closest to acquiring Aiyuk. They refused to give up a current player, but were willing to part with second- and third-round picks.