Jerod Mayo sets Brandon Aiyuk trade rumors ablaze with latest comments

Since the offseason began, the Patriots have been linked to several top-name free agents and/or tradeable players to finally give the boost to the offense the roster has needed for several years. Because of Jerod Mayo's early comments about wanting to "burn some cash," coupled with Eliot Wolf declaring they wanted to "weaponize the offense," no player seemed off the table for the cap-space-loaded team.

For most of the leadup to the 2024 NFL Draft, there was an emphasis on the Patriots trading for Bengals receiver Tee Higgins, who was franchise-tagged despite his request for a trade due to a lack of contract negotiations for an extension.

Because they held the 34th overall pick, there was a belief Cincinnati would welcome the trade for Higgins, but the Patriots instead held onto their picks and drafted receivers.

But since then, they have remained the leading team to trade for Brandon Aiyuk, as the 49ers appear at a standstill in agreeing to an extension with their star receiver. That has prompted even more speculation about his eventual trade, especially to the Patriots, who reportedly inquired again about a trade just a few weeks ago.

With the team reporting to training camp this week, Jerod Mayo was (of course) asked about the rumors. Although he couldn't discuss the Aiyuk rumors directly since he's still under contract in San Francisco, he didn't deny their interest in making a trade.

Interest in Brandon Aiyuk reaches new heights after Jerod Mayo's latest comments

After answering several questions about important topics about Patriots players, mainly Davon Godchaux and Matthew Judon, plus the never-ending conversations about the quarterbacks, Mayo was asked about the team's interest in trading for a top-name wide receiver.

Unlike Bill Belichick, who would have immediately shut down the question in the past, Mayo responded and added more fuel to the Aiyuk trade fire with his response.

“We’re always interested in getting the best players on our team. Whatever that looks like. Look, we’re third on the waiver wire as well. There will be some quality players that get released for various reasons and we’ll have an opportunity to improve our roster. So, if you’re going to sit there and ask me, ‘Would we take a big player no matter what position?’ Absolutely. Absolutely. Not only today, but in the future.”

Although technically, this doesn't directly address the Aiyuk rumors, it doesn't shut down the possibility of a trade happening, either. If there was no significant interest in acquiring him, it would have been easy for Mayo to push the question aside or give a less detailed answer.

Because of that, it seems to imply that the Patriots' interest in Aiyuk is very real, confirming the report from Josina Anderson from last week, and they might continue their efforts to get a deal done before the start of the regular season.

Trading for a player of Aiyuk's caliber would be a sign of a drastic change in New England, as Belichick was not known for trying to acquire flashy names at any position, especially wide receiver. He would put their offense over the top, even more so for Jacoby Brissett this year and Drake Maye for years to come, giving the Patriots a better chance at becoming a competitive team much sooner than most anticipate.

UPDATE

The Patriots' chances of successfully convincing the 49ers to trade Aiyuk just dramatically increased after GM John Lynch didn't shut the door on the possibility, which goes against every report up to this point stating they were not entertaining any offers.

NFL insider Ian Rapoport elaborated further on the situation, reporting that Aiyuk will attend training camp despite the lack of contract talks.

Regardless, it's all positive movement in the Patriots' direction if they are genuinely interested in getting a trade done. This is the first time the 49ers have kept the door open for a potential trade, so it's time for New England to make their best offer now and fast.

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