The Brandon Aiyuk saga finally ended last week, but the New England Patriots reportedly had an enticing offer for the star wideout.
Aiyuk signed a four-year, $120 million contract with the San Francisco 49ers last week. The extension ended a months-long standoff between the sides and meant the wide receiver would stay in the Bay Area rather than get traded away.
New England reportedly had a framework of a trade that included multiple first-round picks and wide receiver Kendrick Bourne. The Patriots reportedly were willing to pay Aiyuk top dollar, but the 26-year-old had zero desire to play for New England, so it took itself out of trade discussions.
Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer on Monday released details of the trade talks between the Patriots, 49ers, Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers, including what their respective deals included. According to Breer, New England's package to the Niners was expected to include a 2025 second-round pick, a 2026 fourth-rounder and Bourne, whom San Fran asked for. The Patriots also had two contract proposals for Aiyuk. One averaged $30 million over three years, and the other exceeded $32 million per year over four years.
That wasn't enough to entice Aiyuk, whose preferred destination reportedly was Pittsburgh. According to Breer, the Steelers came the closest to a deal, but they didn't want to part with a current player but were willing to give up a second or third-round pick. However, they weren't willing to offer a contract that went over T.J. Watt's $27 million a year contract.
San Francisco asked Cleveland for second and fifth-round picks and Amari Cooper, but like New England, Aiyuk did not want to play for the Browns.
Whether it's because of "Taxachusetts" or the current state of a rebuilding franchise, the Patriots weren't able to land Aiyuk and enter the 2024 season with potential breakout stars and a possible standout rookie.
