For as long as we can remember, the Patriots have been in the market for a clear number one wide receiver and that doesn't change heading into free agency in just a few weeks. There has been a lot of speculation about who they might be interested in, especially surrounding Tee Higgins, and whether they feel their best option is to wait until the draft.
With the fourth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, they can acquire one of the best prospects at the position, Colorado's dual-threat Travis Hunter or Arizona's Tetairoa McMillan. Either would immediately boost the receiving corps and become Drake Maye's favorite weapon.
But given the uncertainty of who could be available on draft night, there's also a chance they could trade for a top-name player. That's prompted rumors connecting them to Cooper Kupp, Deebo Samuel, who was just traded to the Commanders, and even A.J. Brown due to his connection to Vrabel.
Then there's the latest rumor that puts them square in the mix for a receiver they attempted to sign last offseason, which was promptly turned down. But the reason for his shutting down the trade is not a factor anymore, therefore opening the door for a potential trade just one year later.
Rumors of Brandon Aiyuk being up for trade could be a great sign for the Patriots
The beginning of last offseason was headlined by 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk wanting a new contract or to be traded. The team permitted him to speak with other teams about a trade, which led to the Patriots extending an offer that would have made him one of the league's highest-paid receivers.
He would immediately be the WR1 the team had been looking for, while also fulfilling that goal for Aiyuk, but his disinterest in New England coupled with the uncertainty at quarterback forced the Patriots to withdraw their offer and he eventually signed an extension with San Francisco.
But one year later, Aiyuk is being floated as a possible trade target, putting the Patriots in the driver's seat again. Whether they'll be interested after how last year went is uncertain, but they'll have another opportunity to get an explosive player if they so choose, which should be more appealing with the rise of Maye in 2024.
From our Combine coverage: A breakdown of some big-name WRs who could be traded, looking at Cooper Kupp, Deebo Samuel, and maybe even Brandon Aiyuk. pic.twitter.com/axg5HfChCR
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 1, 2025
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All isn't sunshine and roses if the Patriots do choose to look into a trade, however.
Aiyuk signed a massive extension they'd have to take on, which they were willing to do last year, but that might not be the case this time. They'd be taking on his 4-year, $120 million extension, which is a big hit to their cap space now and in the future.
On top of that, they'd run into a big issue regarding his playing availability. He tore his ACL and MCL in Week 7 against the Chiefs, which might mean he won't be ready to play at the start of the 2025 season. He might not even be ready to go halfway through the year.
That might make him an avoidable acquisition for the Patriots, especially if they're hoping to spread the cap around and get a player who can be an immediate factor on game day. Additionally, the amount of draft capital they'd have to trade to get Aiyuk in the building might not be worth it either.