As the NFL season continues to creep closer and closer, several players throughout the league are still unhappy with their current situation. From contract holdouts to skipping minicamp, there are still uncertainties about some of the league’s biggest talents.
On July 16, San Francisco 49ers All-Pro Brandon Aiyuk officially requested a trade after an offseason of unsuccessful attempts to reach an appropriate extension, per Mike Garafolo. Despite a recent meeting with the team, the 49ers have been unwilling to engage in any negotiation talks with Aiyuk, which ultimately led to him wanting out of the organization.
Amid the trade request, the New England Patriots reportedly inquired about the deep-threat talent, per NFL insider Josina Anderson, but were informed that Aiyuk was not being traded at this time.
A potential push for Aiyuk would mean New England would have to give up a pretty hefty return to the 49ers and sign the 26-year-old to an extension, but as a team in search for a true No. 1 option, he’d definitely be worth the investment if the Niners were to agree to an offer.
Why should the Patriots continue pursuing a trade for Aiyuk?
Lack of Big Name Talent on the Roster
The addition of a star like Aiyuk could flip the mojo of any wide receiver room, especially one like the Patriots. The lack of big name talent is evident by taking a look at the long list of rostered receivers.
- David Wallis (rookie)
- Tyquan Thornton
- JuJu Smith-Schuster
- Jalen Reagor
- Ja’Lynn Polk (rookie)
- K.J. Osborn
- JaQuae Jackson (rookie)
- DeMario Douglas
- Kayshon Boutte
- Kendrick Bourne
- Kawaan Baker
- Javon Baker (rookie)
The additon of Aiyuk would boost the roster tremendously while also giving him the chance to be the number one option, something made difficult during his time in San Francisco. While the 49ers scheme proved to be very player friendly, it becomes difficult to truly standout with talents such as Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, and Christian McCaffrey lining up beside you.
Aiyuk in New England would immediately position him at the number one guy, and would likely become the immediate best option for rookie quarterback Drake Maye.
Tremendous Receiving Abilities
Aiyuk would be a huge pick-up for New England that would have an immediate positive impact. It would give them a dynamic top-receiving threat on offense; someone that is going to give everything they have to make a big play. He is coming off a career-high season with 1,342 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, and the sky truly is the limit for a 26-year-old deep-threat like Aiyuk in the coming years.
Out of all the teams in the race for acquiring Aiyuk, the Patriots need his talent the most.
For example, the Washington Commanders also inquired about him, but they already have Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson on the roster for Jayden Daniels.
The Patriots have not had a true No.1 receiving option since Julian Edelman retired back in 2021. They haven’t even had a 1,000-yard receiver on the team since Edelman was catching passes from Tom Brady. The addition of Aiyuk would fill that No. 1 option spot and immediately ignite the offense. This could be the move the organization needs to kick of a new era in New England; they need to add more firepower for Maye giving him a legitimate target for his rookie season. In a rare time of a Patriots rebuild, they must be aggressive in finding ample talent to support their young quarterback, and Aiyuk could be the perfect fit to provide that.
Patriots Have the Money to Match Aiyuk’s Needs
Aiyuk requested a trade from the Niners because they couldn’t agree on a deal; he wants to get paid for what he deserves especially with the skillset and ability that he possesses down the field.
He wants to get paid, and the Patriots can pay him.
With over $100 million to free up next summer, New England has the cap space to go out and pay a player of Aiyuk’s caliber exactly what he is looking for, and they should be more than willing to do so considering the dire need for an upgrade at the wide receiver position.
The Patriots would most likely also have to forfeit some draft capital in order to fully facilitate the move, but it is definintely a risk that the team has to take considering the state of the offense in 2024.
Yes, it may seem a little far-fetched to think about a player like Aiyuk playing for New England, but his trade availability is definitely something to monitor as the season approaches. This honestly seems like a no-brainer for the Patriots; they have the resources to offer the 49ers the appropriate package for the 26-year-old star, and they urgently need his kind of talent on the team.
Main Image: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
He would be quite the pick up!