Brandon Aiyuk had zero interest in Patriots despite "large offer": Report
The ongoing trade rumors surrounding San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk continue as speculation grows on which NFL team could be his new home. The New England Patriots were said to be one of the teams interested in trading for Aiyuk but, apparently the wide receiver wasn't interested.
According to 49ers reporter Matt Maiocco of NBS Sports Bay Area, the Patriots and 49ers had a trade agreement in place. The 49ers contacted Aiyuk to see if he was in agreement and he wasn't. The Patriots had the largest offer so far, offering $30 million each season in a new contract extension once he was traded; however, it still wasn't enough to convince him to agree to terms.
"The Patriots had an agreement in place with the 49ers and a large offer to Aiyuk on the table, but he did not show interest in going there."-wrote Matt Maiocco
Maiocco also reported that Kendrick Bourne was likely included in the trade package, a notion that was rumored earlier in the week. The Cleveland Browns are also said to have dropped out of trade negotiations, so Aiyuk's destination remains unclear.
Chad Johnson said 49ers delayed Brandon Aiyuk trade
Former Cincinnati Bengals All-Pro wide receiver Chad Johnson recently spoke out about the San Francisco 49ers handling of the proposed trade. In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), Johnson stated that the 49ers waited too long to embark on trade talks for the wide receiver. Ther former wide receiver believes San Francisco knew all along that they didn't want to extend him.
"49ers waiting this long to listen to trade offers for my young boul knowing they didn’t want to pay him".
Brandon Aiyuk has made it clear in the last few months that he wanted to be traded. He is entering into the fifth and final year of his rookie contract, and is due for a lucrative payday. It wasn't until earlier this week that the San Francisco 49ers finally agreed to allow Aiyuk to seek a trade.
Last season, the wide receiver had 75 catches for 1,342 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. He also had three receptions for 68 yards in the 2023 NFC championship game when San Francisco came from behind to defeat the Detroit Lions.