Jerod Mayo says quiet part out loud about Patriots' failed pursuit of Brandon Aiyuk

Throughout the Bill Belichick and Tom Brady era in New England, dozens of players long desired to play for the Patriots. From learning from the most decorated head coach in the game's history and playing with the greatest quarterback of all time to nearly guaranteed playoff wins and Super Bowls, there was plenty of reason to sign with the Patriots.

For the most part, it made it a lot easier for the team to sign free agents when needed. There wasn't a lot of convincing to do to get the talent in the door. It also allowed Belichick not to overpay (in his eyes) anyone and yet still managed to put together some of the better rosters in the league.

But all good things must come to an end, which has been the case over the last few years.

It began when Tom Brady abruptly decided to leave the Patriots after the 2019 season. That deterred players from going to New England, and instead, they followed the quarterback to Tampa Bay if the opportunity allowed it. Now that Belichick is also gone, it has made players look the other way if the Patriots call, which seems to be the case with some of the top free agents/tradeable players this offseason.

That sentiment seemed to apply to Calvin Ridley's decision to sign with the Titans instead of the Patriots, despite their similar significant changes to their team. It could also be said about Brandon Aiyuk's refusal to be traded to Foxboro, which Mayo confirmed when speaking to reporters over the weekend.

Jerod Mayo admits awareness of the current narrative surrounding the Patriots

The failure to secure a trade for Aiyuk despite having the best offer on the table has been the hottest topic surrounding the Patriots over the past week.

Although some consider it a massive loss for the new head coach and regime, Mayo acknowledged what many have been saying was the reasoning for Aiyuk's decision: the Patriots are no longer a dominant team, making many players look elsewhere to play.

"When we start to win games, guys will want to come here. When we establish the culture, the roster, guys will be excited."

He certainly makes a fair point, especially given the context of the Patriots' trade offer that the 49ers accepted. Aiyuk would have been handsomely rewarded with a massive extension that would have made him among the top five highest-paid receivers in the league, but that wasn't enough for him to accept the trade to the Patriots.

Putting together an improved 2024 season, led by a better-performing offense and maybe even a good showing from Drake Maye, will make New England a more desirable destination for free agents in 2025 and beyond.

That appears to be the plan from Mayo's eyes and hopefully, they'll be able to deliver on that this season.

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