Among the teams that hammered out the details of a deal for Brandon Aiyuk was the Patriots. But the 49ers wide receiver isn’t interested in playing for New England, and it seems like he feels the same way about the Browns.
The Patriots are reportedly no longer in the running to sign Aiyuk as a result. In an attempt to sign Calvin Ridley in free agency, New England worked hard, and in Aiyuk’s case, the organisation was prepared to pay a substantial sum of money. The latter now has the option of signing a long-term contract with the 49ers or the Steelers for as much as $32 million a season. As in-house receiving alternatives once again come under scrutiny in New England, de facto general manager Eliot Wolf confirmed a renewed Aiyuk push will not take place.
In fact, the Patriots have invested heavily in receivers in recent years through the draft. Using that route, since 2023, players like Demario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Ja’Lynn Polk, and Javon Baker have all been added. In a receiving room devoid of JuJu Smith-Schuster, those players will contend for targets alongside returnee Kendrick Bourne and free agent newcomer K.J. Osborn.
Similar to Ridley, Aiyuk would have been a huge asset to New England in the passing game. The Arizona State product has improved every season, and in 2023 he was named to the second team of the Pro Football Hall of Fame after recording 75 receptions and an average of 17.9 yards per catch. From a financial standpoint, neither the 49ers nor the Steelers have been willing to match New England’s offer.
The Patriots’ focus will shift to the quarterback issue in the interim. Drake Maye, the third overall pick, has improved in training camp and the preseason, and there’s still a chance that he can start ahead of veteran Jacoby Brissett before Week 1. Aiyuk, however, will not be a member of the team’s receiving group, regardless of the passer that is selected to start the season.
