I won’t think he failed if the trade doesn’t materialize because I don’t think the Steelers are one great WR from being a contender lol…that’s why I think the trade compensation has to be limited and not offer any important player or pick, even at the risk of not getting Aiyuk…also, he’s an upcoming FA who doesn’t want to be in SF…that’s not screaming “let’s give up one of our top players” lol
Now don't get me wrong Andy, I don't think Khan has to has to do this trade and when I'm talking about people screaming "he failed" I mean elsewhere, I'm not saying anyone's a crazy here, but there are three points that I'd raise
a) This feels like a really high variance season. 12-5 wouldn't surprise me and neither would 5-12. A few best case scenarios and they might be a WR away from a contender. Conversely, Pickens gets injured, and all of a sudden getting Aiyuk might be a season saver. I'm not opposed to the Steelers completely spinning out for a season but a lot of people are.
b) At a guess Aiyuk would be here for at least four years. It's not about whether he's the needle tipper this year so much as whether he is for that next four years and what's that worth
c) I don't think Aiyuk's position in SF should weigh too heavily on how much the Steelers value him. They're probably already getting a bit of a discount, if they really want him they're better off paying rather than finding out he's a Commander in '25 or he's made his peace with SF or whatever. End of the day, what you think they should sell for matters less than what they will sell for and what you're willing to pay.
I'm not sure I want Aiyuk that much. But I do get why the Steelers' position means they might, and they might be willing to pay a good price for him, and they might be right to.
And yeah, if they don't get Aiyuk and the season does go wrong for want of receiving talent, I would hold that against the team even if I'm not big on the guy.