Brandon Aiyuk is reportedly looking for a big contract, but he also wants an opportunity to compete as well. The New England Patriots offered a blockbuster contract, but according to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, Aiyuk didn’t feel like they gave him the best chance to compete.
More specifically, he had a “lack of confidence” in their quarterback situation.
The Patriots currently have Jacoby Brissett branded as the starter with rookies Drake Maye and Joe Milton III waiting in the wings. Bailey Zappe is also still on the bubble as the No. 4 option.
It wasn’t a situation Aiyuk wanted to put himself in even if the offer was $32 million per year.
“I can speak to the Aiyuk situation and that was just a lack of confidence at quarterback,” Russini said on “Scoop City.” “He didn’t believe they’re set up for success right now. Think about how hard that has to be for him to walk away from a team that is probably going to go back to the Super Bowl again.
“You have to figure there’s probably a lot of players who would have signed with New England to make that personal investment to get a big payday. But for him, he wants both.”
Brandon Aiyuk turned down $32 Million/Year from The Patriots.
This is the 3rd ⭐️ WR (Hopkins & Ridley) to turn down New England in the last 2 years.
What in the world is going on with The Patriots that nobody wants to go play for them?
🎙️Scoop City: https://t.co/yZsAYaVOLs pic.twitter.com/DwtQSWWZJY
— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) August 9, 2024
The Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns have also been in the conversation as potential suitors for Aiyuk, but those deals haven’t come together, either.
Like New England, Cleveland agreed to the framework of a trade with San Francisco, but Aiyuk had his reservations about joining the team. There’s a belief that he’d sign with the Steelers, but Pittsburgh still hasn’t offered a trade the 49ers would accept.
So Aiyuk remains a 49er, for now, with no imminent resolution in sight.