Patriots dream of trading for Brandon Aiyuk might finally become a reality

The offseason drama between Brandon Aiyuk and the San Francisco 49ers continues, as the wide receiver is looking to be paid with a hefty extension. Because he has become the top offensive weapon outside of Christian McCaffery, and the 49ers are in their peak championship window, it would make sense for them to hand out deserving new contracts.

But that hasn't been the case for Aiyuk so far, and negotiations appear to be continuing to stall. He requested a trade again on Tuesday morning, creating another opportunity for the Patriots to pounce if they want to add a trusted WR1 before the 2024 season begins.

However, it might not be as easy as making the call to GM John Lynch.

According to NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, Aiyuk wants to be paid or traded, but the 49ers don't want to do either. The team has been reluctant to engage in trade talks since negotiations have been unsuccessful this offseason, despite fielding calls during the draft, one of whom was the Patriots.

New England looked like the perfect trade partner at the time since they were loaded in cap space and had high draft picks, which fit the expected trade value for Aiyuk. But the 49ers insisted on keeping him and appear to be in a hole now.

Over the last few years, they have successfully gotten extensions done right before the season begins, as they did with Deebo Samuel and George Kittle. So perhaps that's what they're hoping to do with Aiyuk as well. But because things can change in the NFL on a dime, there's no reason for Eliot Wolf not to pick up the phone and inquire once again, which he has reportedly already done over the last few weeks.

The Patriots get another sign to get a trade done for Brandon Aiyuk

According to NFL insider Josina Anderson, the Patriots have been in contact with the 49ers about a trade for Aiyuk. At the time, they were shut down again, just like during the draft. But now that the receiver has requested a trade again, the answer might be slightly different.

Based on the countless reports over the last several months indicating the failed efforts by the 49ers to get a new deal done with Aiyuk, the future is not looking bright. All signs point to an inevitable breakup between them, even more so when looking at most of AIyuk's social media activity throughout the offseason.

He's made it clear that he wants out if he's not going to be paid and has spent a lot of time with former teammate Jayden Daniels, hinting at wanting to be traded to the Commanders if the 49ers finally agree to it.

That's not ideal for the Patriots, but if the 49ers eventually agree to trade him, they might not want to give him what he wants. New England might have better assets to trade, making them a more enticing option.

That's why it's crucial for New England to get on the phone and make their best offer if Aiyuk truly is the player they want. He would be valuable to invest in, as he is only 26 years old and just recorded back-to-back seasons of 1,000+ yards with a 67% catch rate. Adding him to their offensive lineup would guarantee a solid receiving corps for Jacoby Brissett and Drake Maye, taking receiver off the list of needed positions to address in the 2025 draft.

It won't be cheap, as Aiyuk is likely looking for a contract similar to Lions' Amon-Ra St. Brown or even Justin Jefferson. But since the Patriots have long looked for a game-changing WR1, this would be their best chance at finally getting one.

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