Patriots fans surprised at reason behind Brandon Aiyuk turning down $128,000,000 deal - "Did he catch big Joe Milton last night?"
San Francisco 49ers star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has requested a trade from the team and has gained interest from some teams. One of those teams interested in Aiyuk's services was the New England Patriots.
The Patriots were publicly known to be an agressive team chasing Aiyuk. So aggressive that they reportedly offered him a four-year, $128 million deal that averages $32 million per year.
While he's looking to get remunerated as one of the highest-paid wide receivers in the NFL, Aiyuk doesn't want to play for New England.
Per The Athletic, Aiyuk turned down a four-year, $128 million offer from the Patriots due to concerns over their franchise quarterback. NFL journalist Bobby Thompson posted on X:
"#49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk turned down the #Patriots $32M AAV deal (4 years $128M) due to concerns with the team's QBs per the Athletic."
Upon learning that Aiyuk doesn't want to play with New England because of their QB situation, fans reacted with surprise on social media.
"Crazy, Joe Milton clears Brock Purdy and it’s honestly not even close," one fan said.
"Aiyuk doesn’t know what he’s missing out on. New dynasty brewing. He’ll regret that in 3 years when the New England Patriots win the Super Bowl once again," one fan predicted.
"Uh they HAVE BAZOOKA JOE," one fan said.
Fans also questioned Aiyuk for wanting to play elsewhere such as the Pittsburgh Steelers who have questions about who's going to lead their team at quarterback this season. Other fans pointed out how Aiyuk is in a good situation now with a good QB and a good chance to win with the 49ers.
Here's how other fans reacted:
"But he plays with Purdy currently. And rumored to want to go to play with a washed Russell Wilson or bust Fields? Guy is going to regret not taking the money and bet on Maye to be great his loss," one fan said.
"But he would play with Wilson/Fields? I would rather take the chance on the unknown Maye over those garbage cans," one fan wrote.
"But he likes Pitts qbs? Lmao," one fan said.
Brandon Aiyuk situation: Could he play for the San Francisco 49ers this season?
After the Brandon Aiyuk-San Francisco 49ers saga is all said and done, he could end up playing for them this season. The same situation happened when the team extended Deebo Samuel before the 2022 season.
Samuel requested a trade, drew up his value, and signed a long-term deal with the 49ers. The same could be the case with Aiyuk, as his asking price is around $30 million.
As the wide receiver market continues to increase at a fast rate, receivers like Brandon Aiyuk, who are given new extensions, keep drawing up the price. He reportedly turned down a four-year, $128 million deal from the New England Patriots.
The 49ers may have a deal lined up that is similar, but they are waiting to see if they can get an offer they can't refuse from a team.