There's not a lot of reason to ever look back on the Patriots' 2024 offseason, or regular season, for that matter, because, as we know, the Jerod Mayo era and the start of Eliot Wolf's tenure as the general manager went off without a hitch, but not in a good way.
Aside from what turned out to be a disastrous draft class, besides Drake Maye, the players they chose to sign in free agency were also a mistake. The higher-ups seemed reluctant to spend the money needed to turn the roster around, other than the alleged trade offer for wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.
At the time, the 49ers were unwilling to hand him the massive extension he was seeking, so they allowed Aiyuk to engage with other teams about a trade. The Patriots were among the few with an offer on the table, but eventually took it back once it became clear Aiyuk had no interest in going to New England.
It was a decision met with a lot of criticism from Patriots fans, especially since they struggled to find the caliber of receiver they needed in the time since. Because of that, seeing that Aiyuk is still available after suffering an ACL injury last season has made it easy to keep an eye on where he goes next, but it's beyond clear that the Patriots are very lucky for Wolf's unpopular decision.
Why is that? Because Aiyuk's months-long shenanigans on social media and in person prove that he was not worth the headache he would presumably bring to Foxboro.
Brandon Aiyuk's uncertain NFL future makes it easy to thank Eliot Wolf for not making that trade
Although it was frustrating at the time, since the Patriots badly needed a clear WR1 for their rookie quarterback to thrive, Wolf's decision to take back his trade offer to the 49ers for Aiyuk is looking better and better as the days go on.
Because he wants out of the 49ers badly, Aiyuk continues to make his situation even worse with his social media activity. It's now gotten to the point that he's not only feuding with his current team, but also burning bridges with the likeliest team to trade for him, or even sign him if he were to become a free agent.
The Commanders looked like his prime destination, given their need for another explosive receiver and his connection to Jayden Daniels. But now it's looking like he will have very few suitors, if any, if the 49ers inevitably make him available in the near future.
In fact, it's looking more like Aiyuk might not play another snap in the NFL at just 28 years old and by his own doing.
That's a nightmare scenario that the Patriots would not want to deal with, and although things would be far different for him in New England than in San Francisco, what isn't certain is his attitude and behavior, and there is plenty of reason to believe they could be dealing with the same issues the 49ers are, had they traded for him two years ago.
It's something Wolf should be praised for, since he doesn't get much credit for it, and seeing how things are turning out for Aiyuk and the 49ers, it's easy to be thankful the Patriots aren't having to deal with that instead.
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