San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has been at the center of relentless trade speculation in recent weeks, as negotiations with the organization reached a standstill.
In recent days, trades were agreed upon in principle with the Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New England Patriots, with the star wide receiver having the final say over his destination.
By the sounds of it, Aiyuk isn’t very fired up about the prospect of being part of the Patriots’ rebuild.
According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, Aiyuk passed on the opportunity to be traded to New England because of quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett and No. 3 overall pick Drake Maye.
“The 49ers front office are in communication,” Russini said during the latest episode of The Scoop City Podcast. “With the Cleveland Browns, and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“A few days ago, there was another team involved, and that was the New England Patriots. But they have pulled out completely. They essentially had a contract in place, for Aiyuk, giving him around $32 million a year, and with trade compensation that the San Francisco 49ers agreed with. But, he did not want to go play with the New England Patriots because he does not believe the quarterback position is at the level he wants it to be at right now.”
Understanding Why Brandon Aiyuk Passed on New England Patriots
It’s easy to see why the Patriots would want to pair an electrifying talent at receiver with their young and highly-coveted quarterback, even to the point of paying above market value on his next extension to pull it off.
But, Aiyuk would be leaving a situation in San Francisco where he not only appeared in a Super Bowl last season but is catching passes from Brock Purdy, who threw for 4,280 yards and 31 touchdowns as the NFL’s fifth-leading passer in 2023, for a complete rebuild around Maye.
It doesn’t sound like that’s a scenario Aiyuk is willing to sign up for.
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