San Francisco 49ers All-Pro receiver Brandon Aiyuk has reportedly requested a trade ahead of training camp, per the NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.
According to the report, the Niners “haven’t been willing to engage in negotiations since May.” That has led to Aiyuk attempting to show himself the door in San Francisco.
What does this mean for the New England Patriots?
Well, Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf revealed they’ve had conversations with other teams about trades at receiver and other positions. One would think they’d at least explore the possibility of a move for Aiyuk, who would be an elite receiving target for them on the field.
Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, teams have reached out to San Francisco, but the 49ers are still saying they have no intentions of trading Aiyuk.
Sources: Other teams that have reached out and spoken to San Francisco have been told that the 49ers have no intention of trading disgruntled WR Brandon Ayiuk, who officially has requested a trade. 49ers open training camp next week. pic.twitter.com/vsVCoPvUr1
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 16, 2024
The 49ers are clearly looking to go all-in for a Super Bowl run, and they’d be better off doing that with Aiyuk on their roster. Yet, the other side of the coin is Aiyuk playing on an expiring deal and looking to maximize his value with a long-term contract after a career-year.
He finished the 2023 season with a career-high 1,342 receiving yards.
The Patriots haven’t had anywhere near that level of production at receiver, but that could quickly change with a player like Aiyuk on their roster.
A receiving corps of Aiyuk, DeMario Douglas, Kendrick Bourne, Ja’Lynn Polk, Javon Baker and K.J. Osborn could put the Patriots back in AFC East contention.