Adding more wide receivers was always projected to be a priority for the Patriots this offseason, and they made it an even bigger need by releasing Stefon Diggs. They have already addressed the issue by signing former Packers star Romeo Doubs to a four-year deal, but there is still plenty of room to make more upgrades, and now the 49ers have just given them another option.
Although they're still heavily connected to a possible trade for AJ Brown, rumors suggest that might not happen until after the infamous June 1 date. Waiting until then could be a risk the Patriots are not willing to take, so instead, they could go after a player they have already attempted to trade for.
That player is Brandon Aiyuk. After missing the entire 2025 season due to an ACL injury and creating a rift with San Francisco, he is about to be released and will be available for the Patriots to sign, further bolstering their receiving corps.
Brandon Aiyuk could get back on the Patriots' radar this offseason
When Aiyuk was made available for trade during the 2024 offseason, the Patriots made the strongest offer, only for the receiver to allegedly tell the 49ers he had no desire to play for New England.
There are a handful of reasons that might have been the case, whether it was the high taxes on millionaires in Massachusetts, the lack of a franchise quarterback, or an inexperienced coaching staff.
Regardless, Aiyuk didn't want to go to Foxboro, and while that might still sting Eliot Wolf, who eventually rescinded the offer, having another shot without having to give up draft capital might be more appealing.
They still need a WR1, and their main options appear to hinge on players they'd need to trade for, and they might not be willing to do that. So that makes Aiyuk more desirable.
The problem is that his mind might not have changed since two years ago, especially since early reports have already indicated the Commanders are considered his most likely landing spot. That's bad news for New England, but they still have an opportunity to make a call and see how Aiyuk feels.