Brandon Aiyuk's recent rejection of the New England Patriots made for a big-picture takeaway.
The popular narrative? The Patriots no longer are an appealing destination for star players given the uncertainty of a first-year head coach, first-year quarterback and new head of player personnel.
Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo addressed that notion before training camp practice Sunday morning.
"Yeah, look, we're always trying to get better," Mayo told reporters, per a team-provided video. "What I will say is, when we start to win games, guys will want to come here. When we start to establish the culture, establish the roster, I think guys will be excited to come back."
... When we start to win games, guys will want to come here.
Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo
This wasn’t the first time Mayo commented on the idea. He said before the 2024 NFL Draft the Patriots needed to attract "magnets," or players who others want to play with. The Patriots might have found one in rookie quarterback Drake Maye, the third overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, but it's too early to tell.
Aiyuk reportedly didn't feel confident in New England's quarterback situation.
Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf previously expressed that finances usually play a large role in a player's decision. Wolf and company reportedly were willing to pay Aiyuk up to $32 million per season, which would make him one of the highest-paid wideouts (in AAV, not necessarily guarantees). But that still didn't get Aiyuk to give his stamp of approval on a trade, which San Francisco reportedly would have agreed to.
Mayo understands the predicament the Patriots are in and hit the nail on the head when he stated what it will take for them to change it. Hitting on Mayo and Maye will serve as the first step.
