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The New England Patriots have reportedly removed themselves from trade discussions with the San Francisco 49ers regarding wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Adam Schefter @AdamSchefter
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
Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports added that the Patriots “had an agreement in place with the 49ers and a large offer to Aiyuk on the table, but he did not show interest in going there.”
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported earlier Tuesday that the Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns were having “active trade discussions” with the 49ers regarding Aiyuk.
Ian Rapoport @RapSheet
From Inside Training Camp Live: The latest on the Brandon Aiyuk, as the #49ers continue active trade discussions with the #Steelers, #Browns, and #Patriots, at the least. All three teams are still in it. pic.twitter.com/c5NMAKKI5J
Aiyuk, who is entering the final year of his rookie deal, has requested a trade after contract talks with the team did not lead to a long-term extension.
The Patriots were reportedly “willing to make Aiyuk one of the top five highest-paid receivers in average per year,” per ESPN’s Mike Reiss on a SportsCenter appearance Tuesday.
New England now appears out on Aiyuk, putting the spotlight more squarely on the Steelers and Browns.
Aiyuk caught 75 passes for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns in 2023 after posting a 78/1,015/8 stat line in 2022. Clearly, Aiyuk should be in line for a big payday, whether that’s in San Francisco or elsewhere.
But signs are pointing to that being elsewhere. ESPN’s Mike Reiss and Nick Wagoner reported Tuesday that the 49ers “are now willing to listen to trade offers for Brandon Aiyuk and have given the star wide receiver permission to negotiate a contract with other teams.”
Both the Steelers and Browns would make sense. In Pittsburgh, Aiyuk would be the clear No. 1 option for a passing offense that has largely sputtered since Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown were in town together. In Cleveland, Aiyuk could form a dynamic duo with Amari Cooper to perhaps help a struggling Deshaun Watson reclaim his past Houston Texans form.
Ultimately, Aiyuk continues to be the biggest name to watch as a potential mover as the regular season, which begins on Sept. 5, rapidly approaches.
