Team news: Pittsburgh Steelers | Page 14

The standoff between receiver Brandon Aiyuk and the 49ers may be coming to a conclusion soon.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, the 49ers and Steelers have a deal for a potential Aiyuk trade in place. The Steelers also are “in a good place” with Aiyuk on a new contract. If the 49ers give their final sign-off, the deal will be done.

Related players: Ricky Pearsall, Jauan Jennings, Jacob Cowing, George Pickens, Van Jefferson, Roman Wilson, Calvin Austin III

The story went on to say San Francisco also has an offer out to Aiyuk on a long-term deal for him to remain with the club that, but to this point, Aiyuk has not accepted. The story added it’s currently unclear what Pittsburgh would send back to San Francisco in exchange for Aiyuk, but it would likely be a significant package. If the deal goes through, the Niners would be looking at Pearsall, Jenning and Cowing to move up the depth chart, while in Pittsburgh, Aiyuk and Pickens form the 1-2 punch.

Beyond Keon Coleman, three other receivers took snaps with Allen: Khalil Shakir, Curtis Samuel and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Shakir’s usage was the most interesting, as he was an immediate starter with Allen — and in 12 personnel, no less.

The story went on to say as the team’s primary slot receiver, working into two-receiver sets is essential for Shakir to take the next step. The author said that also of note, Shakir was the first receiver the team shut down, perhaps signifying his lofty spot within the offense. He took the first three snaps after Allen left the field, and that was the end of his evening. With Bills WR spots seemingly up for grabs this season, Shakir is looking like he could be a fantasy receiver to target in drafts.

Via Joe Person of TheAthletic.com, first-round rookie receiver Xavier Legette is back on the field after missing a few practices with a foot injury.

Related players: Diontae Johnson, Adam Thielen

The Panthers traded up to pick Legette with the 32nd selection in the first round. He's expected to slide into the WR3 role, assuming he can get back up to speed, behind Johnson and Thielen.

Yes, I think Jalen McMillan has done everything he could to assert himself as WR3 so far. Still five weeks before the opener, but he’s impressed and will play a lot as a rookie.

Related Players: Trey Palmer, Rakim Jarrett, Sterling Shepard

An extended target share is likely going to be difficult behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, but McMillan could pop for some usable weeks as a perimeter player every once in a while. If he locks in the WR3 job, he makes for an even more intriguing target in best ball leagues.

Sources classify Steelers WR Roman Wilson, who was carted off with an ankle injury, as week-to-week.

The post went on to say Wilson will be "OK." He could miss some time, but the injury does not appear serious according to the rest of the post.

Rookie wideout Roman Wilson was carted off the field after getting hurt during Tuesday’s practice. Reporters at the workout said it looked like Wilson injured his left foot or ankle.

Related players: George Pickens, Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin III

There is no further word on the how serious the injury is. But any missed time in camp for a rookie can be bad news. We reported on Monday that while there are high hopes for Wilson to take on the team's WR2 role, he was running behind Austin in the pecking order.

Steelers WR Roman Wilson has been coming out of his shell at training camp. He stacked great days over the weekend, making his best catch as a pro on Sunday, and he seems to be developing some rapport with Fields and Kyle Allen.

Related players: George Pickens, Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin III

The story said it hasn’t been a secret that Wilson didn’t have a great OTAs and minicamp with the Steelers. Wilson has a chance to win the Steelers WR2 role and likely just needs to pass Jefferson to do so. Austin, who was also listed in the story as a camp "winner" will be in the mix as well. Wilson is a third round pick from this past spring.

With Saquon Barkley out today at practice, beat reporter Zach Berman wrote it's clear the Eagles love Will Shipley's skill set in the passing game.

Related players: Kenneth Gainwell

Berman went on to say the Eagles used Shipley a lot in the slot during the spring, and he was one of the top backs in this year's draft in terms of receiving ability. Despite having D'Andre Swift last season, the Eagles didn't use their RBs much in the passing game as they traditionally have over the last many years. However, that could change this year with new OC Kellen Moore.

Indianapolis could still make a move. However, for now, it appears the team is content with former third-round pick Trey Sermon stepping in as the second-stringer. Evan Hull appeared in just one game last year as a rookie due to a torn left MCL, but he was a good pass catcher coming out of Northwestern and will have a shot to supplant Tyler Goodson in that role with the Colts if he has a big summer.

We've been down this road before. Sermon earned 41 carries in his rookie season with the 49ers, before heading to the Eagles to notch exactly two more. He got the nod for a majority role last season in Week 15 and performed well, turning 17 attempts into 88 yards. We wouldn't suggest making any moves in redraft or best ball leagues for now, but a deep dynasty stash would make sense.

All of the tight ends should have opportunities to contribute in the passing game, but Pat Freiermuth has been the most consistent (and the most targeted) pass catcher of the group. After catching a career-low 32 passes for 308 yards and two touchdowns last season while missing time with a hamstring injury, he expects to be targeted not only more frequently but also in different ways.

Related Players: Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward

The article also mentions how perspective QB starter Russell Wilson carried the Broncos TE room to a 32nd-ranked finish in receptions (39) and yardage (362) last season. It remains to be seen how much fantasy upside the Steelers offense can provide with Wilson/Justin Fields at the helm.