Insider Throws Cold Water on Patriots’ Brandon Aiyuk Trade Rumors

As fantastic as it may seem, try not to get your hopes up about a Brandon Aiyuk deal to the New England Patriots.

Long-term contract concern between Aiyuk and the San Francisco 49ers was a topic of rumors that started to circulate prior to the NFL Draft. The Patriots’ desperate need for new wide receiver skill coupled with the two teams’ mutual attraction led to a successful trade that ultimately helped New England acquire the elite pass catcher.
Nevertheless, NFL expert Albert Breer stated on that although there had been further rumors about Aiyuk perhaps moving to New England prior to the draft, it was unlikely that the deal would actually happen.

49ers WR Deebo Samuel Rips Brandon Aiyuk Trade Rumors: 'I Don't See Him  Leaving'

Breer remarked, “I would say it’s unlikely.” “I think what made things more difficult was the contracts that were signed by Amon Ra St. Brown, $28 million a year — A.J. Brown, $32 million a year — you’re not just talking about draft pick compensation now, you’re talking about something on the other end of it, which is a massive, massive contract.”

Jan 7, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11)
In the current NFL, acquiring a top-tier receiver is an expensive decision. The Patriots would have needed to give up capital in exchange for Aiyuk, along with some absurd numbers, in order to make any fresh agreement with him. Choosing not to spend the high picks, New England took the less expensive route and selected two receivers, Ja’Lynn Polk of Washington and Javon Baker of UCF.

Depending on who you ask, the Patriots might be able to launch quarterback Drake Maye’s career in Foxboro with the addition of a big-time, proven target like Aiyuk. The 49ers pass catcher would instantly provide a top receiving weapon to New England, which hasn’t had one in a while. However, this offense might be in good hands if any of their new pass-catching talents work out.