Schrager NFL Mock Draft 2024: Brian Thomas Jr. to Steelers amid Aiyuk Trade Rumors

After filling out their quarterback room with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, the Pittsburgh Steelers' next move may involve a starting receiver.

NFL.com's Peter Schrager floated the San Francisco 49ers' Brandon Aiyuk as a possible target in his latest 2024 NFL mock draft.

"I'm still keeping an eye on Steelers GM Omar Khan to make a splash at wide receiver this offseason," Schrager wrote. "Could that be a trade for Brandon Aiyuk?"

If the Steelers don't trade for a star target like Aiyuk, Khan could use the No. 20 pick of the upcoming draft to select a wide receiver prospect like LSU's Brian Thomas, Schrager projcted.

Thomas led receivers with a 22.91 mph top speed at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, where he helped improve his draft stock "as much as any player at the position," Schrager wrote.

Because the Steelers are hoping to contend for the playoffs next season, Khan might prefer to seek the team's next top wideout in the trade market rather than the draft.

That could lead Pittsburgh to pursue Aiyuk, who recorded his second straight regular season with over 1,000 receiving yards while helping the 49ers reach the Super Bowl last season.

Aiyuk recently sparked trade rumors by unfollowing the 49ers on social media amid upcoming extension negotiations. He is currently slated to play the 2024 season on a $14.1 million option before becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2025.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said the 49ers have received interest from multiple teams in Aiyuk, but have so far "not entertained" any trade offers.

If the 49ers and Aiyuk remain far apart on extension terms, as NFL Network's Mike Garafolo described them at the end of March, San Francisco could eventually begin to search for a trade partner like Pittsburgh before Aiyuk reaches the point of a holdout or a formal trade request.