After releasing Stefon Diggs in free agency and signing Romeo Doubs as his replacement, the Patriots are clearly still in need of a wide receiver upgrade, with most believing their lack of a proper WR1 needs to be addressed. There aren't many free agent options remaining, so a trade might be the route to go, prompting ther AJ Brown rumors to circulate again.
But then there is the ongoing saga between the 49ers and Brandon Aiyuk, who tested the trade market two years ago before ultimately signing an extension with San Francisco. Things have gone downhill since then, starting with Aiyuk's ACL injury, and it now looks like he will be playing elsewhere in 2026.
Given that the Patriots made a trade offer during the 2024 offseason, they're presumed interested if Aiyuk becomes available. The assumption has been that he will be outright released, but the latest from NFL insider Adam Schefter suggests otherwise.
If what he's saying is right, then there is no reason for the Patriots to hold onto the idea of making the receiver Drake Maye's next go-to target.
It doesn't sound like the Patriots have any reason to go after Brandon Aiyuk via free agency or a trade
Since so many top receivers are off the free agency block now, Schefter was inevitably asked about Aiyuk's availability and when that might become the next big story.
He shared that the 49ers will be moving on, but they have no incentive to do so anytime soon. They might explore trade options before releasing him, which is why the Patriots should rescind any potential interest.
Adam Schefter on the Brandon Aiyuk situation:
— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) March 12, 2026
“I know it says they are planning to release him, but I would like to add on that they’re not planning to release him anytime soon. They essentially have no guaranteed money left on his contract, so they can hold onto him for the… pic.twitter.com/7xoBXyAjmC
If the 49ers are unsure of what they want to do with Aiyuk, whether cutting or trading him, then the Patriots don't need to get involved in the shenanigans.
It already looks like he could be a problematic signing to begin with, given his questionable social media posts over the past season, and that's not the kind of thing they need in their locker room.
Although he would be a fantastic addition to the offense and elevate the receiving corps to a level we haven't seen in a while, there seems to be more cons than pros about pursuing him, seemingly pushing Mike Vrabel and Eliot Wolf into looking at other available players in some way or another.
Maybe that's AJ Brown, or it could be someone that's not currently on the radar. But one thing is clear: Aiyuk is not worth the investment in time or energy.