Patriots’ reason for opting out of the Brandon Aiyuk sweepstakes has been revealed.
The New England Patriots swung and missed on a major name in the trade market.
After being called a top contender to acquire the services of San Francisco 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk on Monday night, the New England Patriots have now dropped out of the running to trade for the 26-year-old pass catcher.
According to ESPN insider Adam Schefter, the Patriots have chosen not to explore Aiyuk or any other trade possibilities with the 49ers, and will instead focus on developing their young receiving core for the upcoming season.
Sources: After inquiring about Brandon Aiyuk’s availability, the Patriots have decided not to explore any further trade possibilities with the 49ers regarding their standout wide receiver. Patriots are excited about their young receivers and want to focus on them. pic.twitter.com/RglYQJBmAx
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 7, 2024
The news comes as a surprise because the Patriots were touted as top contenders, along with the Cleveland Browns, to land Aiyuk in a trade. Especially given New England’s reported relentless pursuit of the 49ers this summer, the head office’s fast 180 on Tuesday night aroused some questions.
However, we are beginning to have a better understanding of why and how this transaction fell through, as well as why Aiyuk will most likely land somewhere in the days leading up to the new season.
According to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area, the Patriots made the 49ers WR a lucrative contract offer worth more than $30 million per season, but Aiyuk showed no interest in moving to New England.
“The Patriots had an agreement with the 49ers and a hefty offer for Aiyuk on the table, but he showed little interest in moving there…The Patriots were willing to make the highest offer of any team pursuing Aiyuk. According to two reports, New England’s plan was worth more than $30 million each year.
– Matt Maiocco, NBC Sports Bay Area
The Patriots were eventually unsuccessful in their Aiyuk campaign, but not without putting in a valiant effort. New England reportedly proposed a trade that was accepted by the 49ers, as well as a contract for Aiyuk that would place him among the top five paid players at his position. Despite the huge money, the top receiver showed little interest in coming to Foxboro.
The Patriots will now enter the 2024 season with a wide receiver group led by Kendrick Bourne, Pop Douglas, K.J. Osborn, and newcomers Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker. The addition of Aiyuk would improve this group on paper, but if New England can land at least one of their rookies and provide serviceable productivity from their other pass catchers, pulling out of this transaction with the 49ers will not seem as bad.
With New England out, expect other clubs, such as the Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Washington Commanders, to put their names in the Aiyuk hat, as all of them have been linked to a trade for him throughout the offseason months.
