Steelers HC Mike Tomlin addresses Brandon Aiyuk trade rumors with a witty response
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been reported as frontrunners to acquire Brandon Aiyuk from the San Francisco 49ers. Although it was reported yesterday that the Steelers may have stepped back from negotiations, the wide receiver has said in the past that he would like to play in Pittsburgh.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin called into the 102.5 WDVE Morning Show on Wednesday morning from training camp. Tomlin was asked if there was any development in trade talks for Aiyuk. Tomlin, who is known for his witty responses to media questions, didn't disappoint.
The head coach said that he would allow the radio hosts and other analysts to speculate what would happen:
Tomlin: I'll allow you guys to continue to speculate.
He was then asked if there were any early phone calls?
Q: Any early morning phone calls?
Tomlin, who is heading into his 18th season as head coach, went on to say that it's a little early to have a phone call with the west coast. He stated that he's focued on the 90 players he currently has at training camp and working to make all of them better.
Tomlin: it's a little early on the west side right now, so probably not... I push into this day, man, I'm focused on the work that we have today in this group that's here. Business is going to take care of itself, and it doesn't behoove me to have discussions about potential things, particularly guys that aren't a component of this. I got 90 guys in this in this location today. Man, it's looking to get better, and we gotta create a good day for them. And so since my feet have hit the floor this morning, that's where my focus has been."
Brandon Aiyuk reportedly turned down offer from Patriots
Besides the Pittsburgh Steelers, the New England Patriots were also contenders to trade for wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. The Patriots reportedly offered Aiyuk the $30 million each season, but Aiyuk refused the trade. Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne would have gone to San Francisco as part of the trade.
ESPN's NFL Insider Adam Schefter then reported that the New England Patriots won't be involved in any further trade talks and will move forward with the wide receiving core they have now and prepare for the 2024 NFL season.
With the salary not being the driving force behind Brandon Aiyuk's trade negotiations, it will be interesting to see which NFL teams remain as contenders.